Rachelle Isaacson Spud Spirit Winner

As a speech pathologist at Moorhead High School, Rachelle Isaacson shows that she cares deeply for others in the way that she goes above and beyond in her work. Her peers call her a mentor, friend and teacher to many with an open door for questions, a listening ear and a fresh perspective. 

Rachelle was surprised by Superintendent Brandon Lunak with the March Spud Spirit Award. “You are a driver of change, Rachelle, and I want to personally thank you for that, as your student centered and student driven approach makes Moorhead High School a great place for students to learn,” said Superintendent Lunak.

Rochelle’s nominator said that Rachelle has a contagious energy that is warm and exciting. “She makes learning for her students fun and engaging! Never judgmental, she meets students where they are at in order to help them succeed.” 

In her time at MAPS, Rachelle has initiated and led many innovative projects including the Peer to Peer program which promotes a more inclusive school and the new 18 to 21 program which gives students the opportunity to learn transition skills. Many high school student mentors in the Peer to Peer program want to become Speech and Language Pathologists because of the work that they see Rachelle doing. 

The Spud Spirit Award is a recognition program that honors MAPS staff who live by the district mission to develop the maximum potential of every learner to thrive in a changing world and showcase our Spud Spirit statements:

  • Students, staff, parents, families, and the Moorhead community
  • Passionate, engaged, innovative, and growing in safe environments
  • Unique, worthy, respectful, and relationship-based
  • Diversity enriches our school and community
  • Stewards of the public’s trust in effective and efficient operations
Spud Spirit Award nominations are made by staff, student families and community members in the Spring and Fall of each academic year.