Bute named Teacher of the Year District 88 recognizes employees at annual banquet

By KREMENA TODOROVA

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Rob Bute, social studies teacher at the New Ulm Senior High School, was honored as Teacher of the Year at the Eighth Annual New Ulm Public Schools Employee Recognition Banquet Wednesday night at the Holiday Inn.

Bute was chosen from a group of four teachers from District 88, including one from each school building. The other nominees, among a large group of people recognized for various contributions to education, were Ed Fornberg, art teacher at Jefferson Elementary; Sue Brandel, fourth-grade teacher at Washington Elementary; and Janelle Woodbury, math teacher at the Middle School. Nominated by peers, the Teacher of the Year candidates are then interviewed by a panel that includes former winners, which makes the final selection.

"Rob is a person that knows what is fundamentally the center of the school: the student, and the experiences that are offered to the student," said Bute's co-worker, Al Hoffman, presenting the nominee.

Hoffman, who sprinkled his remarks with humor, described Bute from both a professional and a personal perspective.

Hoffman commended Bute as a "deep thinker," "fundamentally and unconditionally committed to having students actively engaged." He also quoted others' descriptions of Bute: "patient, personable, caring, honorable, trustworthy, insightful..."

Hoffman also zeroed in on Bute's military experience and the way it reflects on Bute's teaching work.

"What I see is Rob using his military experience to help kids realize that war and wars are not glorious. ... He uses this as a way to talk about tough issues of international politics, of wars gone by and wars gone wrong, of right and wrong. ... He forces students to deal with tough questions, far below the surface ..."

Speaking of Bute's passion for football, Hoffman noted that Bute "sees football as a vehicle to promote experiences for students that teach some of life's most valuable lessons."

"He talks enthusiastically about participation. He talks about creating challenges for students as they play, and he talks most passionately when he tells of a student who has perhaps been directed from a wayward path by participation in this sport. That is what football is to Rob, a tool in his tool kit to create positive experiences for kids."

Accepting the award from last year's Teacher of the Year, Annette Wulff, Bute expressed his surprise at receiving the honor. He briefly discussed his appreciation of the role in his life and teaching of various family members, mentors and co-workers. Bute restated his belief in the value of team work and creating positive experiences for kids, helping them feel connected to their larger community.

"There can be humor and fun in teaching," he also said.

Fornberg was presented by a group of co-workers from Jefferson, who demonstrated some of his more original art projects and "supplies" -- bottle caps, Pringle cans and the likes. The playful presentation to music from Sponge Bob was intended to demonstrate Fornberg's "wide creative range" that serves as inspiration for kids, as well as his extraordinary ability to adapt to challenging situations, presenters said.

Presenting Brandel, Sue Sperstad from Washington Elementary used a slide show of yearbook pictures and many drawings and diagrams created by Brandel's students. The student creations expressed their love for their teacher. "She is always on the ball," read one diagram, showing Brandel balancing on an actual ball.

In turn, Annette Wulff from the Middle School spoke of Woodbury's "energy," "passion for children," and never fading smile. Wulff also focused on Woodbury's professional side, her dislike for rote learning techniques and her ability to diversify her teaching.

Various other individuals and groups were also recognized at the banquet, with awards and speeches. Staff members and pending retirees were honored with certificates, pins or plaques for various years of service.

Linda Heine and Robert Docherty, both attorneys, received the Outstanding Lay Educator award for their volunteer work as Mock Trial coaches. Tom Brey was named Bus Driver of the Year. Two senior organizations, CAST and RSVP, were honored with the Community Support Award for their volunteer involvement with activities in schools and for students. Facilities Director Scott Hogen received the Support Person of the Year Award, and Angela Hoek, Middle School Media Specialist, received the New Eagle Award given to a new employee.

In her opening "pep speech," School Board Chair Sue Ullery stressed that District 88 remains committed to, and successful at, teaching kids to succeed in life, despite the "disheartening" influence on education of "changing political winds."

Educators in District 88 have "a frightening level of influence on our children -- which is very comforting to me," Ullery said.