Aug. 22, 2007

Lynette Wayne, a first-grade teacher at Christa McAuliffe Elementary in Hastings, has been named a finalist for the National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. She is the first Minnesotan to become a finalist for this award.

The annual award recognizes and promotes excellence in teaching and advocacy for the union and the teaching profession. The award winner will be announced Feb. 8 at the NEA Foundation’s 13th annual “Salute to Excellence Gala” in Washington, D.C. The winner will receive $25,000.

Wayne is one of five finalists chosen by the NEA Foundation. Finalists were chosen after an interview process in which they answered panelists’ questions and presented a class lesson. Representatives from NEA will now visit Wayne’s school in Hastings to create a video showcasing her classroom and Hastings’ students, parents and staff.

The Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning selected Wayne as the state’s nominee. Wayne is a National Board Certified teacher and serves as president of Education Minnesota-Hastings and is a member of the Education Minnesota Governing Board.