While most students spend the majority of their school days with their classroom teachers, school leaders know it takes many other staff members to keep a school running smoothly and to give students the best possible experience. Staff members such as cooks, bus drivers, custodians, para-professionals, nurses and many others serve important functions, and an annual recognition banquet aims to bring their efforts to light. Resource Training and Solutions recognized the efforts of outstanding support staff members at a ceremony Sept. 27 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
This year the banquet included 121 honorees, three of whom are St. Michael-Albertville support staff members: Brian Bebeau (day lead custodian at STME), Julie Davis (planning room paraprofessional at the high school) and Erin Mitchell (Middle School West office para).
“Often times it is our support staff who truly know the pulse of the school and community,” said Mark Schmitz, Executive Director of Resource & Training Solutions.
The awardees were nominated for the award by their school districts, and they received a plaque and a certificate signed by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton.
Then, a few weeks later, Resource Training & Solutions turned their focus toward exemplary teachers at their annual Leaders in Educational Excellence (LEEA) banquet. The Oct. 25 banquet featured 152 honorees who were nominated by their school or district. STMA honorees included Beth Barrett (Middle School West science teacher), Kathy Ellsworth (Dean of Students at STME), Katie Mitchell (high school special education) and Carrie Welker (Albertville Primary special education).
“Tonight’s honorees have an unwavering belief that they are teaching someone who will do great things for our world,” said Paul Neubauer, the presiding superintendent at the LEEA banquet. “Teachers, we all know that on Sunday night you have Monday rolling around in your mind, thinking about lesson plans and activities for your students. But for tonight, take a deep breath and relax, knowing you’re making a difference every day.”
Resource Training & Solutions, who hosted both events, is a regional service cooperative serving school districts, counties, cities and other government agencies in central Minnesota.