Osseo Area Schools ISD 279: Birch Grove Kindergarten Teacher Lauren Hoof Nominated For Teacher Of The Year

Press release from the Osseo Area Schools ISD 279:

February 3, 2022

Within a few minutes of meeting with Lauren Hoof, kindergarten teacher at Birch Grove Elementary School, it’s clear why she was nominated for Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year. She plans interactive lessons, builds a connected community, and adapts to the needs of her students.

“It was always my dream to be a teacher so to be nominated for Teacher of the Year is a huge honor. Teaching can be tough but also so rewarding. I look up to so many educators and feel all educators are Teachers of the Year in my eyes, so this nomination makes me feel so special and proud of who I am as an educator,” Hoof shared.

She also shared how much she loves reading and using children’s books to engage students. When reading stories, Hoof asks students to use sign language for the word “connect” when they relate to what is happening to the characters in the book. This practice helps students to actively listen and feel included.

“The best part of our class is the way we can joke around with one another, stop for a quick dance break, laugh together and just be ourselves! Our class is like a family. We are very close and have fun together.”

Hoof uses “Just Dance” to activate students’ bodies and includes YouTube music to help students learn letters in the alphabet. During this class, the letter of the day was “u,” and students sang along to songs and practiced writing after.

Principal Ronald Salazar took notice of the great contributions Hoof makes to Birch Grove. He appreciates her willingness to share her technological skills with other staff members and the leadership she has brought during challenging times.

“Her teaching takes care of the student’s academic needs while supporting their social-emotional needs. She has a gentle way of teaching important topics such as racism. For those of us who know her, she is already Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year,” Salazar said.

The 58th Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be made from 77 candidates across the state. A panel of leaders across various fields will select semi-finalists who will be announced in March, and the final selection will be made in May.

This press release was produced by the Osseo Area Schools ISD 279. The views expressed here are the author’s own.