Elizabeth Hedin Award Recpients

Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Elizabeth Hedin Award for Educator Excellence: Amy Pearson and Lisa Hanson.

The award recognizes the profound and lasting impact that these two teachers have on their students, peers, and the community.

Amy Pearson (left) teaches first grade at Sunnyside Elementary School, and Lisa Hanson (right) teaches health at both Red Wing High School and Twin Bluff Middle School.

The Hedin Hartnagel Memorial Fund unveiled the award two years ago to recognize and inspire outstanding educators and staff in the Red Wing Public Schools.

Every year going forward, the Award for Educator Excellence will come to two exemplary individuals.

The award will operate on a three-year cycle: In the first and second years, one teacher from grades preK-6 and one teacher from grades 7-12 will be selected, both receiving an unrestricted award of $10,000.

In the third year, two support staff members will be chosen, one from preK-6 and one from 7-12, each receiving an award of $10,000.