In a remarkable achievement, Austin Public Schools’ band teacher, Christoph Dundas, has been recognized as a finalist for the prestigious 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. Dundas is among an elite group of 12 educators selected from a pool of 31 semifinalists by a diverse panel comprising education, business, government, and nonprofit leaders. Initially, the program year saw 142 candidates vying for this honor.
The selection panel will reconvene on May 3 to conduct one-on-one interviews with each finalist before casting their votes to decide the recipient of the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. The announcement will be made by Tracy Byrd of Washburn High School in Minneapolis during a banquet at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on May 4. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets via EventLeaf.
Dundas was previously honored as the Austin Public Schools (APS) Teacher of the Year on November 21, 2024, standing out among 29 nominees within the district. Reflecting on his teaching philosophy, Dundas emphasized the importance of forming connections with students and ensuring they feel supported and cared for on a daily basis.
Education Minnesota, the statewide educators union, spearheads and finances the Teacher of the Year program, which invites candidates from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, including Early Childhood Family Education and Adult Basic Education teachers from both public and private schools. The program is further supported by organizations such as Education Minnesota ESI, Educators Lifetime Solutions, EFS Advisors, Expedition Credit Union, Harvard Club of Minnesota Foundation, and SMART Technologies.
The 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year finalists are:
- Stacy Bartlett, Stillwater Area High School, biology, grades 10-12
- Katelyn Bruce, Minneapolis Public Schools, second grade
- Ben Cuevas-Rengstorf, Minneapolis Public Schools, culinary arts, grades 9-12
- Christoph Dundas, Austin Public Schools, band, grades 9-12
- John Horton, Saint Paul Public Schools, grades 1-3
- Amanda Jagdeo, Saint Paul Public Schools, pre-K
- Zoe Kourajian, Mounds View Public Schools, U.S. history and girls’ leadership, grades 7-8
- Soren Olesen, Roseau Community School District, welding, machine shop, and work-based learning, grades 11-12
- Sean Padden, Roseville Area Schools, health, grades 7-8
- Araceli Pastrana, Eden Prairie Schools, third grade
- Kong Vang, Saint Paul Public Schools, ethnic studies, grades 9-12
- Linda Wallenberg, Eden Prairie Schools, English, grades 9 and 12
Impact on Daily Life
The recognition of educators like Christoph Dundas as finalists for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year award highlights the significant impact teachers have on student lives and community development. Such accolades bring attention to the dedication and passion that educators invest in shaping future generations, fostering a greater appreciation for the teaching profession among the public.
For students and parents, having a Teacher of the Year finalist in their community can enhance the educational environment by inspiring both peers and other educators to strive for excellence. It underscores the importance of supportive learning spaces where students feel valued and motivated to succeed. This recognition can also encourage community involvement in local schools and education initiatives, promoting a collaborative effort to improve the quality of education.