Known as “the most prestigious recognition program” for educators in Minnesota, the Minnesota Teacher of the Year (ToY) award is given to one teacher from the state every year. Gearing up for its 53 year of handing out the award, its list of candidates includes Albert Lea High School health and physical education teacher, Margo Wayne.
Wayne has been in District 241 for around 40 years. In that time she has coached many sports including volleyball, cross country, track and field and she even coached the dance team for one year. Wayne is also heavily involved in 4-H and spends her time in the summer helping out 4-H members and helping out at the fair. In her free time, Wayne enjoys tending to her roses and going to rabbit shows. She lives on a farm near Ellendale with her husband and rabbits. She also has a son and a daughter who are both adults. Wayne said she loves her job and coming into work everyday.
“I just feel so blessed that I can get up and do a job where I am excited to see people at,” Wayne said.
As the recipient of the 2016 District 241 Teacher of the Year award, she was nominated for the 2017 Minnesota Teacher of the Year by the district’s ToY committee. She is among the over 100 candidates from all over the state who are nominated for the award.  After putting together a portfolio for the selection committee, Wayne was officially put on the list for the award. Wayne stated that it has been a great honor to be nominated.
Wayne’s nomination has not gone unnoticed by the student body. Lukas Peterson, junior, was not surprised at all to learn of Wayne’s nomination. He first met Wayne in 8th grade through the track and field team and has a close relationship with Wayne ever since.
“She is mother-like and always cares about her students,” Peterson said.
He describes Wayne as helpful, positive and always giving 100%. He said she is always there to help her students and athletes no matter what is going on. For Peterson, there is no teacher more deserving of the Minnesota Teacher of the Year award than Wayne.
“She absolutely deserves this,” Peterson said.