Erica Snook, Karen Landsverk, Natalie Geier and Maggie Maine, Becker District’s 2017-2018 teachers of the year, were honored at the recent Resource Training and Solutions’ Leadership Excellence in Education Ceremony.

 

 

Erika Snook has taught special education at the Primary School for 10 years. Prior to teaching, she was a supervisor in a school-age daycare program and coached youth gymnastics.

 

Snook’s educational background includes a degree in child psychology from the University of Minnesota, K-6 elementary education degree from Concordia, and special education licenses in emotional/behavioral disorders, specific learning disabilities, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, and early childhood special education from St. Cloud State. 

 

“I enjoy working with kids and seeing their confidence and pride grow as they accomplish their goals,” said Snook. “Whether that’s a kindergarten student mastering the alphabet or a student with a physical disability riding a bike for the first time.”

 

She feels teachers need to care about their students, build strong relationships and plan thoughtful, purposeful lessons while keeping things fun and interesting, and sees mental health as one of the big challenges facing schools today.

 

“I feel very honored to have colleagues who acknowledged me in this way,” said Snook of receiving the award. “Becker is full of awesome kids and families, and teachers and staff who really do care deeply about them. I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else.”

 

“Erika is a very positive teacher who connects well with her students,” said Principal Dale Christensen. “She builds a positive rapport with parents and has been a positive mentor to our new special education teachers.”

 

 

Karen Landsverk has been a media specialist at the Intermediate School for nine years.

 

Going back to school after being a stay-at-home mom, she graduated from St. Cloud State, receiving a K-8 license with a middle school science focus and a K-12 media specialist license. Along with teaching media classes, she co-teaches after-school coding.

 

“I love being surprised every day by what students can do and what they come up with,” said Landsverk. “I enjoy the energy and excitement students bring to learn something new.”

 

She believes teachers should continually look to improve, reach more students and create better and more engaging lessons. She strives to connect with students she hasn’t found a connection with yet.

 

“It’s always rewarding when a student comes back and lets you know you have made a difference in their life by opening a doorway and showing them opportunities, or by letting them know someone cares,” said Landsverk.

 

“I love my job and the people I work with,” she said about receiving the award. “We have an amazing team, and we’re fortunate to have so many dedicated teachers and staff at every level who care deeply about the education and welfare of our students.”

 

“Karen is an amazing teacher,” said Principal Christine Glomski. “She works tirelessly to provide meaningful learning experiences. She’s creative and goes the extra mile to create engaging and challenging projects for our kids.” 

 

 

Natalie Geier has taught sixth-grade English at Becker Middle School for five years. 

 

Graduating from St. Cloud State with a degree in elementary education and from St. Mary’s with a master’s degree in teaching and education, she has been teaching for 10 years.

 

“I love seeing the ‘aha’ moments light up a student’s face,” said Geier. “I also enjoy having students come back and tell me all they remember from their time in my class.”

 

She believes a good teacher needs to have a high level of respect and expectations for all students, and sees the surge in technology as a challenge in today’s schools, as it can be difficult to keep students engaged.

 

“I was completely shocked,” said Geier of receiving the award. “I work amongst so many amazing teachers for are very deserving of this award.”

 

“Natalie brings a great deal of talent to the classroom and our school,” said Principal Nancy Weiss. “She is passionate about learning and is an energetic educator who challenges herself to find ways to reach all students.” 

 

 

Maggie Maine taught business education at Becker High School for six years, and is currently the Dean of Students at Mississippi Heights Elementary.

 

After graduating from St. Cloud State, she taught for a private college before starting at Becker. She has also been assistant coach of the robotics team since 2015.

 

“I enjoy connecting with students and having the ability to help shape their future,” said Maine. “My most rewarding experience as a teacher has been to follow students’ successes. I enjoy seeing their passion come out in the things they love.”

 

She believes teachers need to build relationships and foster the strengths of their students and provide a strong voice for the welfare of all learners, and sees lack of resources as a major challenge in education today. 

 

“I was very surprised and appreciative,” she said about receiving the award. “This is one of the most generous awards because you are nominated and awarded by your teaching peers. I’m not the teacher I am without my colleagues, administrators, students and family.”

 

“Maggie was an exemplary teacher,” said Principal Rick Toso. “One of her best traits is that she is a strong student advocate who continually searches for what is best for students.”