Stacy Kelzer, fifth-grade math and science teacher at Cambridge Intermediate School, has been named a semifinalist for 2017 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
Kelzer is one of 37 semifinalists to be selected from a field of 132 candidates from across the state.
“Outstanding teachers develop a sense of community where students feel safe and valued. They create a predictable, calm environment that promotes independence and makes learning a priority,” Kelzer said. “Most importantly, outstanding educators encourage their students to be independent, thoughtful problem solvers who treat others well and believe in themselves.”
She began teaching at Benson Elementary School in 1997 after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Minnnesota-Morris. Kelzer has been teaching in Cambridge-Isanti Schools since 2002, the same year she earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southwest State University.
Kelzer is an active school leader serving on the district’s Technology Instructional Leadership Team, District Strategic Planning Team, Scheduling Team and CIS Building Leadership Team. Her honors include District Teacher of the Year Nominee, Innovation Grant Recipient, District Teacher of the Year Award and Leadership in Educational Excellence Award through Resource Training and Solutions.
Her community involvement attests to her commitment to making a difference and helping to create brighter futures for others. Kelzer and her family are a host family for Safe Families Minnesota, a national organization providing parents in need with support in times of crisis. Kelzer is also a Girl Scout volunteer leader, Faith Formation Development Team Member and a volunteer coach and parent volunteer for various athletic organizations.
Cambridge Intermediate School Principal Scott Peterson describes Kelzer as an exemplary teacher with an authentic love and dedication for making learning matter for each of her students.
“Stacy’s true leadership skills are witnessed each day by her peers in the hallway, lounge and faculty and PLC meetings when she displays her genuine excitement and enthusiasm regarding her instruction, her students’ overall growth and each child’s interest toward their learning,” Peterson said.
The selection panel will review the semifinalists’ portfolios again in late March before announcing The 2017 Minnesota Teacher of the Year on May 7 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington.