When Lauren Williams learned of an opening at Hamilton Elementary School in Coon Rapids she went for it with passion and it has turned out to be a perfect match. Her energy for her students shows and meaningful connections are part of daily interactions. Find out more about Williams in this podcast episode.  Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

Pat Sorteberg sees her cafeteria at Anoka Middle School for the Arts - Washington Campus as one big restaurant. Learn how she instils a customer service approach that “caters to the customer without giving the business away” in this podcast episode. Sorteberg explains the important role student nutrition plays in educational success for students and how her common sense and business-oriented approach is making a difference.  Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

She serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Music Teachers Association and plays in a local orchestra but Sabrina Olson knows the importance of connecting with her students is the foundation of her success. Her invitation of a “guest artist” to come to Anoka Middle School for the Arts is one indication of her student-centered approach.     Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

Emily Niemi encourages her students at Anoka Middle School for the Arts to get involved in clubs and activities as a way to build skills needed for success in life. Learn how one the clubs she advises helped homeless youth in a big way in this podcast episode. Her awareness and outreach for all students is a pillar of her approach and allows her to make meaningful connections. Her love of literature shines through but the books on her “must read” list may cause a few students to be surprised.  Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

A career change from a communications/public relations role for Kate Mabel has benefitted first grade students at Monroe Elementary School - Mathematics, Science and Children’s Engineering. Learn how Mabel meets students where they are at, incorporating technology to build engagement and building on students’ ideas to ignite a passion in learning.  Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

Students at Eisenhower Elementary School learn how getting in the “green zone” helps them and their classmates do better in school. First grade teacher Cathy Landis focuses on each student, helping them establish a strong foundation in literacy and in skills that will help them achieve success in school and in life. Learn how making the school-home connection also makes a difference for her students in this podcast episode.   Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

It is no secret that Joleen Lundin, fifth grade teacher at Madison Elementary School, is very well liked. Lundin shares just about everything with her students, so much so, that they feel strongly connected to her. Learn all sorts of other ways that Joleen is building on these connections and truly making a difference in the lives of her students and their families.  Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

“Preparing students for life” is the mission of the Anoka-Hennepin School District and a driving force in the work done by John Clarkin with his students at River Trail Learning Center at L.O. Jacob. Clarkin organizes and involves his students to build skills in school through business ventures and community service that prepare them for life after school.  Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

Jim Chamberlain joined the staff at McKinley Elementary School and immediately found a way to make his mark. His knowledge of the school community is strong - his own children attend the school - and he uses that advantage to create meaningful and effective connections with the community by effectively supporting teachers in the use of technology. His creativity shines in videos that feature Principal Mike Koenig. He has made a difference and fostered positive school culture at McKinley.    Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

Coon Rapids High School has become a powerhouse DECA program in the state, developing leadership and capacity for business careers for students. As DECA advisor, Blake Bodenberg has provided the guidance and direction and let his students shine. His approach as a business and marketing teacher and internships coordinator often reaches beyond the walls of schools and connects students with the community in a meaningful way.     Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

As a special education teacher, Rachel Berndt’s position requires her to focus not only on learning, but welfare and safety matters. Learn more about what drive’s Berndt’s passion for special education as well as how she strives to make all sorts of connections to best support her students and their families.    Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

As a technology facilitator, Andy Berg supports the work of Anoka Middle School for the Arts staff - helping them to best utilize technology tools to teach and support its students. Get to know Berg and how his life experiences have led him on this rewarding career path as well as what he does to accomplish his goals.   Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

Art teacher Tracy Bengtson has found a home at Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School. Learn how her high-energy classroom and enthusiastic support of her students is building new skill and confidence in this podcast episode. Bengtson explains how partnerships bring new opportunities for her students as well.  Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

Laura Ahrendt is an action-oriented “doer” who is making a difference for her students. A special education teacher at Anoka High School, Ahrendt works to build strong connections with her students, and their families. She works as part of a team that is focused on student success and helps organize learning plans for her students that earned her consideration as an Anoka-Hennepin Schools’ Above & Beyond recipient for 2020.    Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

Success in our schools and for our students is a direct result of the energy and commitment of Anoka-Hennepin’s dedicated employees. Each year, the district coordinates recognition for those who exceed expectations through the Above and Beyond Awards. This year’s Above and Beyond Award recipients include a list of 14 exemplar employees.