Lynette Wayne, a first-grade teacher at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Hastings, has received the National Education Association Foundation's highest honor, the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence. She is the first Minnesotan to win the award.

Wayne received the award based on her creative and innovative instructional expertise, attention to diversity, dedication to lifelong learning, advocacy for the profession and school-community engagement.  She is known for placing children at the center of the learning process, a philosophy that led her to develop one of the first multi-age classrooms in her school district. 

In 2006, Wayne spent three weeks abroad as a Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund participant.  Eight years ago, she initiated a new teacher training and induction program in her school district, which is thriving today. 

A National Board Certified teacher, Wayne maintains her passion for teaching. “There is no greater joy than being in the first-grade classroom,” she said.

Wayne was named recipient of the award, and $25,000, Feb. 8 at the NEA Foundation’s 13th annual “Salute to Excellence in Education Gala” in Washington, D.C. As a finalist, she previously received $10,000.

Wayne is president of Education Minnesota-Hastings and an Education Minnesota Governing Board member.

The Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning selects the state’s nominee. From the 10 semi-finalists, five finalists were chosen by the NEA Foundation.