Second grade teacher Lisa Nelson was named Teacher of the Year for 2021- 22 at Zumbrota-Mazeppa School. She was recognized for this honor on April 13 at the Mazeppa Community Center. Nelson grew up in Zumbrota and is a 1994 graduate of ZM High School. She earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Winona State University. Prior to her ten years at ZM, she worked for twelve years at Kenyon-Wanamingo School, where she also served as dean of students. She has taught at the first through fourth grade levels. Nelson has been involved in coaching volleyball and basketball her entire career. Currently, she is the head volleyball coach at ZM. A nomination statement by the ZM Teacher of the Year Committee said the following: “Throughout the day Lisa can be seen engaging students through many activities using their devices or through STEM activities. She is always upbeat and encouraging with all students. Lisa gets to know each child’s strengths and weak[1]nesses. She uses the strengths of each child to help build up the weaknesses. Students in her class learn to work collaboratively across subject areas to help build each other up as well.” Nelson lives in Mazeppa with her husband Darren, and daughters Rylee, 16, and Dru, 9.
