Education Minnesota has announced its 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year candidates and among the list was St. Francis Middle School (SFMS) sixth grade science teacher Emily Sevenz.
“Being nominated for Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor, especially in my hometown,” Sevenz said. “I am deeply proud of the work my students do every day—their curiosity, effort, and growth inspire me constantly. I truly love my job and am grateful to work alongside such supportive colleagues and families. It is an honor to represent St. Francis and to continue serving a community that shaped me.”
Sevenz is one of 128 candidates who have accepted their nominations and completed the required materials to become eligible for the honor. She is a graduate of St. Francis High School and has been teaching for 19 years with the last four in the district. She is scheduled to complete her Masters in Education - Culturally Responsive Teaching through the College of St. Scholastica this summer.
Last year she had the honor of presenting at the Ireland International Conference on Education (IICE). Her presentation centered around Universal Design for Learning and the Mission to Mars enrichment program she created for Saints Time, a project brought to life this year alongside her graduate studies.
About the program: This year’s program will name the 62nd Minnesota Teacher of the Year. The program celebrates the tradition of excellence in teaching in Minnesota. Eligible candidates include pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade, Early Childhood Family Education and Adult Basic Education teachers, from public or private schools.
Selection process: An independent selection panel of leaders in the fields of education, business, government, nonprofit and philanthropy will read candidates’ portfolios over the next few weeks and narrow the list to a group of semifinalists. In March, the panel will convene again and review additional materials from the semifinalists to choose a group of finalists. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year banquet is set for May 3 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.