English Teacher Named Minnesota’s Teacher Of The Year

BLOOMINGTON (AP) — An English teacher who teaches classes in Minneapolis and Crystal has been named Minnesota's teacher of the year for 2014.

Thomas Rademacher has taught at the Fine Arts Interdisciplinary Resource School since 2006. The K-12 school has campuses in downtown Minneapolis and in Crystal.

He was recognized Sunday by Education Minnesota, the statewide educators' union.

In a nomination letter, student Asyana Eddy praised him for doing "anything in his power" to help students succeed. Eddy says Rademacher gives students the freedom to approach subjects with creativity, and he teaches students that their thoughts matter.

To be eligible for the award, nominees must spend at least half their time working directly with students. They must also have at least three years of teaching experience.