Minnesota honors Linda 'Wally' Wallenberg as 2025 Teacher of the Year; students recall 50 years of mentorship

Linda ("Wally") Wallenberg, Minnesota’s 2025 Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year, was honored Monday by the Minnesota Senate Education Policy Committee, which paused its agenda for a presentation by the high school English teacher and short remarks from three of her students.

"I fell in love," Wallenberg said of why she kept teaching across five decades, describing the classroom as "a place of trust and care" where students should feel "seen" and supported. Wallenberg told senators that teachers must build relationships that allow students to take academic risks and grow.

Three current students who attended Wallenberg’s classes spoke to the committee about the impact of her instruction and classroom culture. Annie Dirks described taking honors English and AP literature with Wallenberg, saying the teacher used creative hooks — "tie[ing] food into a topic" — to deepen engagement and connect students to one another. "Wally dedicates herself to her classes," Dirks said, crediting the teacher with creating lasting peer connections.

Rachel Makela said Wallenberg’s "energy and excitement to teach" and high expectations helped her academically and socially as a senior, noting that even difficult assignments came with "detailed feedback." John Nicholas Clavio Jaime described Wallenberg’s patience and the ways her instruction helped English learners build confidence and voice.

Commissioner of Education Willie Jett introduced Wallenberg to the committee and praised her career as a mentor and coach. Committee members offered congratulations and said they expect Minnesota’s nominee to remain a top contender for the national honor.

The committee resumed its business after brief applause and returned to the day’s agenda, which included an agency update and two PELSB-related bills.