Seven MPS teachers are candidates for 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year!

Education Minnesota announced 128 candidates in the running to become the 62nd Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to the seven MPS educators who were selected as candidates this year!

• Sophia Butler, music teacher, South High School 
• Dr. Jesús Cervantes Quiroz, second grade teacher, Emerson Dual Language Elementary School
• Jonathan Edington, music teacher, South High School
• Maureen Mulvaney, English teacher, Washburn High School 
• Kara Noble, dance teacher, North High School
• Larissa Parr, physical education teacher, Hale Elementary School
• Hannah Walker, social studies teacher, Andersen United Middle School

This year’s program will name the 62nd Minnesota Teacher of the Year, a recognition that honors excellence in teaching across Minnesota’s public and private schools, including pre-K through 12th grade, Early Childhood Family Education and Adult Basic Education. An independent panel will review candidate portfolios to select semi-finalists and finalists. 

Read Education Minnesota’s news release for more information.