Every Week Should Be #TeacherAppreciationWeek!

The work of 826 MSP would not be possible without the collaboration and key partnerships of local educators. This #TeacherAppreciationWeek, we want to send our gratitude and specifically highlight a few incredible educators! These folks are incredible partners to 826 MSP, and most importantly, champions for our students and communities! These educators deserve to be appreciated not only during teacher appreciation week, but every week!  🙌🏾

Corinth Matera

English Teacher & Writers’ Room Coordinator, South High School

I want to take time to appreciate and share my gratitude for all that Corinth has done for South High and for the Writers’ Room. Though I’ve only known Corinth for a short time, I  can easily say that it has been a privilege and a pleasure to work alongside her. She is dedicated to her students' success and makes a conscious effort to challenge her white students to confront their whiteness and privilege while simultaneously letting students of color know that she is an ally. Though I will miss her presence as the partner teacher in the space, I know that wherever she goes she will be an asset to students and staff alike. This is because she cares and fights for her community and her students’ best interest.

Thank you, Corinth, from Jeannine and the rest of the 826 MSP crew!

Mary Manor

English Teacher, South High School

As the Writers’ Room Coordinator I wanted to personally highlight the contributions and support of Mary Manor. She has continuously supported the Writers’ Room whether it’s helping to staff the room over the busy lunch hour, promoting our events virtually and in-person to her classes and peers or gifting the coaches and students with some leftover pizza. Manor is an amazing individual, educator and community member and I am grateful to call her an ally of the Writers’ Room and South High. What I appreciate most about Mary is how she fights not only for the South High community, but teachers across the Twin Cities.

Thank you, Manor, from Jeannine and the rest of the 826 MSP crew!

Angelica Torralba-Olague

AVID & ELL Teacher & 2019-20 YABP Partner Teacher, South High School

As someone who was once a Minneapolis Public Schools ELL student herself, Angelica has the empathy and experience to ensure all her students get what they need. She has been invaluable to 826 MSP staff, making our days easier and more fun whether through scaffolding lessons or slipping us a piece of candy. Angelica is a role model for students, volunteers and 826 staff as she brings a sharp equity lens to her work.

Thank you, Angelica, from the 826 MSP crew!

Laura Yost

English Teacher & 2018-19 YABP Partner Teacher, South High School

After more than 20 years of teaching, Laura Yost still approaches every class, every assignment with so much love and high standards of excellence. As the English teacher for South High’s All Nations program, she infuses every lesson with cultural enrichment, and ensures that learners of all different styles have a chance to express themselves in her classroom. Teachers and students alike know her classroom is a safe, creative haven where they can find an inspirational boost or a warm cup of coffee. The greatest part about partnering with Laura is her sincerity and mentorship. She wants everyone to succeed, and will do her best to bring the tools, love and support to get people there.

Thank you, Laura, from the 826 MSP crew!

Brett Stringer

Principal, South High School

Principal Stringer has been an advocate and supporter of the Writers’ Room during his first year as Principal at South High. As a former English teacher, he recognizes the importance of supporting students in developing literacy skills. Additionally, Principal Stringer has brought an equity focus to the development of all staff members at South, and 826 MSP is grateful to be part of the important work of making South a more equitable place for all students.

Thank you, Principal Stringer, from the 826 MSP crew!

Qorsho Hassan

826 MSP Board Member & 5th Grade Teacher, Gideon Pond Elementary

Qorsho brings so much wisdom and care to her role as board member for 826 MSP. She has supported us in hosting focus groups with families in our After-School program, and sits on the governance and impact committee for our board. We will also be collaborating with her class for our first virtual field trip. We are so lucky to have this Minnesota Teacher of the Year finalist in our 826 MSP family!

Thank you, Qorsho, from the 826 MSP crew!

Sean Golden

826 MSP Impact Committee Member, Professor and PhD Candidate, University of MN

Sean has been part of 826 MSP’s impact committee for the last two years. As a former K-12 teacher and current professor in many subjects related to our work at 826 MSP, Sean brings a much appreciated perspective to our discussions about how to measure the effectiveness of our programs and how to keep our work student centered.

Thank you, Sean, from the 826 MSP crew!

Tom Rademacher

826 MSP Literary Board Member & 8th Grade Teacher, St. Anthony Middle School

Tom is an invaluable part of 826 MSP’s Literary Board. As a former Minnesota Teacher of the Year, and published author, we are so grateful to have his expertise in our network! Tom was a featured guest speaker at our “Night of 10,000 Young Authors” event, and has hosted an educator equity happy hour at our space. He is also always using his strong social media presence to promote our work. 

Thank you, Tom, from the 826 MSP crew!