“Joanna Struck is a source of light and joy at Dorothy Dodds Elementary,” says teacher Jen Nelson. “She shows up every day with a positive attitude and is constantly looking for ways to improve and work together.”
Struck is a literacy intervention teacher and instructional coach and has worked at Moorhead Area Public Schools for 11 years. She is one of nine teachers nominated as Building Representative of the Year, a peer nominated program facilitated by Education Moorhead. One teacher will be named the Moorhead Teacher of the Year and move on as a candidate for Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
“I have wanted to become a teacher for as long as I can remember,” Struck says. To her, the most important piece of the job are the relationships she has with her students and fellow staff. “I want my students to know that their voice and contribution to the world matters,” Struck says. “I want teachers, as my partners in instructional coaching, to know that their work in the classroom everyday matters.”
The care Struck brings to her job is easily felt by those around her. “She works tirelessly and goes above and beyond to help students and staff,” says media specialist Ann Woell. “She has done so much for creating a positive environment at school; making this a fun place to work and teach.”
Joanna’s daily work is focused on helping every teacher by planning and facilitating professional development, modeling, coaching, co-planning, co-teaching, observations, feedback and reflective conversations. Joanna often uses Maya Angleou’s quote, “When you know better, you do better.” Teacher Christa Burson says, “This mantro opens her and our staff up to trying new ideas, instead of feeling limited or stuck. Joanna’s contagious enthusiasm for the field of education and teaching is lived out in every moment of her day, well beyond the school hours.”
Dorothy Dodds is consistently brightened by Strucks’ presence. “She has the most positive outlook on all things, is the best listener and makes an impact in any room she enters. She is a friend, a colleague and a true vision at what she does,” says teacher Megan Kreps.
Congratulations to Struck for being nominated as Teacher of the Year at Dorothy Dodds Elementary School. See below for the other building level nominees.
- Brandy Haugen, Horizon Middle School East
- Kristen Hayes, S.G. Reinertsen Elementary
- Kelley Larson, West Central Academy
- Chris Lien, Moorhead High School
- Michelle Sailer, Robert Asp Elementary
- Patty Schmidt, Horizon Middle School West
- Stacy Schroeder, Ellen Hopkins Elementary
- Brittany Torgerson, Probstfield Early Learning Center