Proctor Journal

Shelley Maas, Jedlicka Jr. High /Intermediate School principal, has been named Wal-Mart “Teacher of the Year”.

A surprised Maas was presented with an oversized $500 check in her office by two Wal-Mart representatives. The money will be used for the Intermediate School. She was also presented with a Wal-Mart greeter’s vest and a certificate of recognition.

The presentation was made on National Teacher’s Day.

Among Maas’ nominations was one by a former sixth grade student now in his 20’s who wrote, “She changed my life - she taught me how to read. I owe Shelley Maas the world.”

“This is awesome,” Maas exclaimed as tears of joy trickled down her cheeks. “This is why we teach. When we hear a student say something like that, it’s glorious.”

June Hanson, assistant manager and Usman Asif, support manager for Wal-Mart said balloting took place over six weeks. “We were looking for an extraordinary teacher,” Hanson said.

Superintendent Sherm Carlson praised Maas for her title. “We have some fine people working for the school district,” he said. It seems that year in and year out there are agencies that appropriately choose to recognize these people. I would anticipate the trend would continue.”

Each Wal-Mart in the United States has the opportunity to present one teacher with the award. Winning educators were nominated by members of the community. Maas was in competition with teachers throughout the Head of the Lakes. Wal-Mart and SAM’S Club associates select the winning entry.

“The selection process of choosing a winner is difficult,” Manager Dave Keller said. “Every teacher nominated has done great things and made an important difference in the lives of the children they taught.”

Maas has been a teacher for 20 years. She has worked for the Proctor District for 17 of those years. Maas has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and was a sixth grade teacher before being promoted to principal.

Maas will also have an opportunity to apply for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. The recognition comes with $2,500 for their school.