Outstanding Educator Award

Five southeast Minnesota educators were nominated for the 2025-2026 Outstanding Educator Award hosted by STEM Forward which recognizes K-12 professionals who strive toward the highest levels of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) excellence within their schools and community, with a focus on initiative and continuous improvement in every aspect of their work. 

This year’s award was presented to Peter Johnson, Pine Island Middle School Teacher on Wednesday at a dinner and presentation at The Workshop in Rochester.

Outstanding Educator recipients foster high K-12 student achievement, exhibit leadership and support for continuous improvement, promote STEM careers, and demonstrate collaboration among K-12 schools, businesses, and post-secondary education.

This year’s nominees included Zach Brown, Plainview-Elgin-Millville Schools.

This award is presented by Southeast Service Cooperative’s STEM Forward.

STEM Forward is a collaborative group of southeast Minnesota K-12 school districts, post-secondary partners, and community businesses IBM, Mayo Clinic, The Hormel Institute, and Workforce Development, Inc, who work together to promote STEM excellence in our K-12 schools.

PICTURE: Courtesy of Southeast Service Cooperative