Hoffman on Board of Teaching

NUHS Spanish teacher to serve

on 11-person

state board

By CHRIS VETTER

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- A New Ulm High School teacher was named to the state's Board of Teaching on Monday.

Allen Hoffman, 50, of Courtland will serve on the 11-person board until Jan. 3, 2005.

Hoffman, a Spanish teacher in District 88, was surprised to hear of his appointment.

"I think it will be very exciting," he said. "I will see a whole other side of learning. I'm sure it will be very educational for me."

The Board of Teaching establishes rules governing the education, licensing and relicensing of teachers, according to a press release from the governor's office.

"It's an area I'm concerned about, to maintain the high standard we have in Minnesota," Hoffman said.

Because of teacher shortages, the board routinely allows some non-licensed professionals to work in classrooms across the state. Each "community expert" teacher must be approved by the Board of Teaching on an annual basis.

Harold Remme, District 88 superintendent, was happy for Hoffman.

"It's a good recognition, both for him and New Ulm Public," Remme said. "Al will represent the education community very well."

Hoffman first learned about the opening on the board from a friend at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Last December, he filled out an application and wrote an essay about the importance of having a board representative from outstate Minnesota.

"I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about my profession and what makes it all tick," Hoffman said.

The board meets monthly in the Twin Cities. Hoffman said he is looking forward to meeting staff with the Department of Children, Families and Learning and becoming involved in the board's work.

Hoffman has taught for 23 years, first in Appleton, then the past 17 years in New Ulm. He is among three Spanish teachers in the district.

In addition to his work at New Ulm Public, Hoffman has served as an adjunct professor of Spanish at MSU since 1990. He typically teaches one semester of Spanish every other year, often in New Ulm. Students in those classes are often adults who are going back to school or want to brush up on their skills.

Hoffman speaks very highly of New Ulm schools, saying he has enjoyed being with the district.

"It's a good school system," he said.