February was a month of surprises for Clearview Elementary’s Andrea Coulter. The fifth grade teacher was awarded Educator of the Week by one radio station and Educator of the Month by another.

 

On Feb. 6 Coulter was surprised in her classroom when a representative from Mix 94.9 stopped by to announce her as the station’s Educator of the Week. Not only did she receive a trophy recognizing her achievement, she also received gifts from Coyote Moon Grille, Concrete Image Salon, Great Harvest Bread and hats and shirts from Mix 94.9.

 

This week, Coulter’s classroom again welcomed surprise guests, as representatives from 99.9 LITE FM came by to recognize her as their station’s Educator of the Month. She was gifted with a commemorative plaque and a gift card sponsored by Central MN Credit Union. To the excitement of the students, her entire class also received a certificate for a pizza party from Toppers Pizza.

 

Jonathan Hegge, who with help from his mom Denise nominated Coulter for the awards, received tickets for Nickelodeon Universe.

 

Denise Hegge explained why they nominated Coulter for the awards even though her children have never had her for a teacher.

 

“Andrea has become my oldest son Jonathan’s mentor,” said Hegge. “When he’s having a bad day she’s the one adult he trusts. She’s really turned him around and given him a positive attitude, and helped him feel confident about himself. He would do anything for her.”

 

She also stressed how much Coulter does for Clearview, including running Cougar Club, Student Council, and the school store, plus heading up the Clearview Forest volunteer committee and the school’s annual Veteran’s Day program.

 

“She’s nice,” said Jonathan Hegge. “She wants her students to succeed and always likes to help them.”

 

Coulter has been a teacher for 34 years, nine of them at Clearview.

 

“Andrea is a person that is willing to help anyone out at any time,” said Clearview Principal Sheri Rutar. “She goes above and beyond any expectations that are out there. Her passion is children and she takes time for each and every child whether they are in her class or not. She is an amazing person to have on our staff at Clearview.”

 

Coulter was surprised to receive the awards, and expressed thanks to the Hegges for taking the time to nominate her.

 

“It’s not something you plan for when you come to work,” she said. “You’re just focused on the kids. It’s humbling because it makes you reflect, and it makes you realize people do notice what you do. It’s very affirming.” 

 

She added, “I feel so blessed to be a teacher and think I’m the luckiest person in the world to be able to come here every day and love my job.”