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Leadership
Teaching Today Minnesota | Summer/Back to School 2025 Page 25

Celebrating Jeff Granrud, Combining Education & Community

Math Teacher, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Public Schools
2024 South Central Zone MREA Educator of Excellence
Mr. Granrud’s journey in education began single day,” says another student. This blend It’s no wonder his colleagues hold him
with a sense of confidence. “My first five of joy and knowledge turns learning into an in such high regard. “He’s very dedicated to
years, I thought I knew everything,” he recalls. experience that students cherish. the district,” HLWW Principal Dr. Stephanie
Yet, by year 27, he humbly admits, “I realized Mr. Granrud’s influence doesn’t stop at Kuehn. Growing up in a rural area himself,
I don’t know anything.” This perpetual will- the school doors. His dedication is equally felt Jeff seamlessly made Howard Lake his home,
ingness to learn and grow defines his career. in the community. An active member of the championing the community and placing
Each year, Mr. Granrud embraces change and fire department and ambulance team, Jeff has others above himself.
adapts his teaching methods to meet the needs served his neighbors for years. He’s also been In Mr. Granrud’s world, teaching is far
of his students. “The methodologies that I use a coach in various school programs and leads more than a job—it’s a lifetime mission inter-
vary from class to class, from year to year,” he a youth fishing initiative that instills a love twined with community spirit and unwavering
shares, underscoring his passion for continual for the outdoors. About nine years ago, Jeff dedication. He models continuous learning,
improvement. began volunteering with the Woitalla Fishing compassion, and selfless service, making him
Walking into Mr. Granrud’s classroom, Expo, an event that takes Howard Lake- more than just a teacher; he is a mentor, leader,
students are met with an infectious enthusiasm. Waverly-Winsted fourth graders out for a day and beacon of inspiration. MREA honors and
He greets them warmly—“Hey guys, how’s of fishing and fun. What began as a single per- celebrates Mr. Granrud for embodying what it
it going?”—creating a space where learning sonal day of volunteering transformed into a truly means to educate and uplift—both in and
is approachable and relevant. His teaching leadership role when the original organizers out of the classroom.
extends beyond textbooks and theories; he could no longer continue. Without hesitation, Congratulations Mr. Granrud!
connects lessons to real-world applications, Mr. Granrud took over, ensuring the beloved
In the heart of Howard Lake-Waverly- ensuring students understand the value of what event’s legacy continued. Article and photo courtesy of the Minnesota
Winsted’s (HLWW) rural school district, they’re learning. One student remarked, “He Mr. Granrud’s commitment to his stu- Rural Education Association — https://www.
a teacher stands out not just for his years of always makes it a point to explain that every- dents is multifaceted. He tailors his approach mreavoice.org
service but for the profound impact he makes thing he teaches is something they’re going to to meet individual needs, whether it’s offering
on students and the wider community. With use somewhere outside of high school.” strict guidance or showing leniency and grace.
27 years of teaching experience—26 of which Mr. Granrud’s classroom is not just about “Some kids need a big brother; some need
have been spent in HLWW —Mr. Granrud academic rigor; it’s a place of laughter and someone a little more strict,” he says, under-
embodies the essence of commitment, resil- camaraderie. “No matter what subject it is or scoring his sensitivity to each student’s unique hlww.k12.mn.us
ience, and heart. how hard it is, he always makes us laugh every journey.

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