Sharon Shelerud Named District 191 Teacher of the Year

Editor’s Note: This is a press release from School District 191.

 At a May 15 reception honoring teachers of the year from all Burnsville-Eagan Savage District 191 schools, Metcalf Junior High social studies teacher Sharon Shelerud was named the District 191 Teacher of the Year for 2012.

A 30-year veteran of teaching in District 191, Shelerud has served in several leadership positions both within the district and in much broader situations. She was instrumental in developing the District 191 AP Human Geography course, has written lessons for the University of Minnesota Center for Austrian Studies, is chair of the Assessment Development Committee sponsored by the Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education, has coached several very successful World Savvy-World Challenge Day teams, and is an adjunct professor at Augsburg College.

In nominating Shelerud, colleagues Terry Ruhsam and Lucretia Jeffers praised her expertise, her success as a coach and teacher, and her dedication to students.

“Sharon often spends nights after school tutoring students in human geography and AP geography,” they wrote. “She is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure her students are successful. She isn’t afraid to challenge them and they often come back to thank her for pushing them to excel.”

Asked about where she’s found pride in her work, Shelerud points to a small plaque in her classroom that reads: “A teacher opens a door. You enter by yourself.”

“What I am most proud of is that many of my students chose to enter a door I opened, allowing me to make a difference in their lives,” she explained.

The District 191 Teacher of the Year program is organized by the Burnsville Education Association. Nominations are accepted from staff members, students, alumni and community members. Teachers of the year are selected for each school building, and a district teacher of the year is chosen from those candidates.

The 2012 Building Teachers of the Year are:

• Burnsville High School BHS - Chuck Croatt

• Burnsville Alternative High School - Angela Sloneker & Angela Thom

• Eagle Ridge Junior High – Shelley Hermes

• Metcalf Junior High – Sharon Shelerud

• Nicollet Junior High – Kate Quirk

• Edward D. Neill Elementary – Jonalyn Lippka

• Gideon Pond Elementary – Stacy Stoneking

• Harriet Bishop Elementary – Cheri Warmka

• Hidden Valley Elementary – Beth Westerhouse

• Marion W. Savage Elementary – Sherry Andrews

• Rahn Elementary – Cara Slattery

• Sioux Trail Elementary – Patty Tushie

• Sky Oaks Elementary – JoAnn Shook

• Vista View Elementary – Aimee Hagen

• William Byrne Elementary – Gina O'Reilly

• Early Childhood Special Education – Heidi Nielsen

See more photos at the District 191 Facebook page.