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Leadership
Teaching Today Minnesota | Fall 2026 Page 21

The Gilder Lehrman Institute Selects SFMS’s Ted Gehring as 2026 State

History Teacher of the Year

VFW Post 2735 and Regional District 7 Middle one example of these types of opportunities. I
School Citizenship Teacher of the Year. He was can’t wait to see the history that this next year’s
honored at banquets in December for his excep- class will produce.”
tional work in the area of civics/social studies. About the Award: The annual recognition
Last fall he guided his students in collaborating program, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Insti-
with district and area experts to write the history tute—the nation’s leading nonprofit for K–12
of the Blue Earth Reservation, which was pub- American history education—celebrates one
lished on Wikipedia. He was a 2025 Minnesota outstanding teacher from each state, the District
Teacher of the Year semifinalist. of Columbia, Department of Defense schools,
“It is truly an honor to be recognized and U.S. Territories. It recognizes educators for
by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American their dedication, creativity, and effective use of
History as their 2026 MN Teacher of the Year. primary sources. Nominees are recommended
They are an amazing organization truly dedi- by students, colleagues, or school leaders and
cated to helping teachers deliver the highest selected by state committees of historians and
quality of history instruction. For over a decade, educators.
our middle school has been a Gilder Lehrman “History teachers play an essential role
Affiliate School giving our social studies teach- in helping students understand the past, build
ers free access to an amazing library of primary critical thinking skills, and develop a deeper
sources, interviews with leading historians, and appreciation for the people and events that
St. Francis Area Schools history. In addition to the recognition, Gehring top notch professional development opportuni- shaped our nation,” says James G. Basker, presi-
Ted Gehring, a St. Francis Middle School received a $1,000 prize, a curated collection ties,” Gehring stated about this award. dent and CEO of the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
6th grade social studies teacher, was named the of classroom resources, and is a finalist for the Gehring added, “My goal is that my stu- “We are proud to recognize educators who go
2026 Minnesota History Teacher of the Year national award. dents leave our classroom better understanding above and beyond to make history engaging,
by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American About Mr. Gehring: Gehring is entering his the craft of a historian and have the opportunity meaningful, and relevant in their classrooms.”
History. Since 2004, this distinguished award 20th school year in the district (14 at the middle to help create public facing history that helps tell
has recognized exceptional K–12 educators for school and five at St. Francis High School). a better, more complete story of our past. The
their remarkable work in teaching American Last school year, Gehring was named the Isanti Blue Earth Reservation Wikipedia page was just www.isd15.org

Career Academy’s Strand-Rysgaard and Johnson Earn Annual CTE Honors

Moorhead Area Public Schools
The Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education (MnACTE) recognized two standout leaders from the Moorhead High School Career Academy for their dedication to
student success and workforce development. Assistant Principal Holly Strand-Rysgaard was named Administrator of the Year, and Alison Johnson received the Career Guidance Teacher of
the Year award.
These state-wide honors highlight the Career Academy’s commitment to providing students with practical, high-impact educational paths that prepare them for the modern workforce.
challenges and passion behind Career and tion has surged from nine students in her first
Technical Education. Having their support semester to 23 students currently. By facili-
and affirmation makes this award especially tating these practical opportunities, Johnson
gratifying.” helps students navigate their career interests
Under her guidance, the academy has before they even graduate high school.
continued to expand its reach, ensuring that “The growth of our work-based learning
vocational training remains a top priority program shows that more and more students
within the district. Her strategic vision has are taking what they are learning in their CTE
been instrumental in aligning school cur- and core classrooms and seeking opportunities
riculum with industry needs, fostering an to expand on it,” said Johnson. “Students are
environment where students can thrive in looking for real-word experiences, industry
both traditional and technical fields. connections and meaningful career explora-
“Without question, this is a team award,” tion opportunities. The growth of the WBL
Administrator of the Year: Holly Career Guidance Teacher of the Year:
she added. “Any movement we have made program highlights not just increased partici-
Strand-Rysgaard within Moorhead Area Public Schools—par- Alison Johnson pation but deeper student engagement in CTE
As the assistant principal who oversees ticularly within our Career Academy—is the Alison Johnson was honored for her and a stronger connection between classroom
the MHS Career Academy, Strand-Rysgaard direct result of committed and ambitious innovative work in a unique dual capacity. learning and their future career pathways.”
manages all Career and Technical Education CTE teachers, a supportive administrative Johnson serves as both a family and consumer The recognition of these two educators
(CTE) programs along with several other team and the strong partnership I have with sciences educator and the work-based learn- underscores the important, impactful work
academic initiatives. Her colleagues describe Tom Dryburgh, our Community Outreach ing (WBL) coordinator. This 50/50 hybrid role happening daily within Moorhead Area Public
her as a lifelong advocate for CTE whose Coordinator.” allows her to bridge the gap between class- Schools. Their efforts ensure that Moorhead
leadership is rooted in a blend of personal room instruction and real-world application, students are not just earning diplomas, but are
experience and professional expertise. giving students a direct line to local employers also gaining the specific skills and guidance
“To be recognized by colleagues through and hands-on experience. necessary to succeed in their future careers.
MnACTE is incredibly meaningful,” said Johnson’s impact is clearly visible in the
Strand-Rysgaard. “The peers who are part of rapid expansion of the work-based learning www.isd152.org
this organization understand the complexity, program. Since she began, student participa-