District 196 Choir Director Named Minnesota Teacher of the Year Finalist

Rosemount High School's choir director, Steven Albaugh, is one of 10 finalists for the 2013 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award, Education Minnesota announced Monday.

Albaugh, a former president of the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota, has taught at Rosemount High School since he came to the school from Northern Arizona University in 2000.

"Mr. Albaugh cares about each one of his students and has worked tirelessly to build the great choral program that we have today," Chad Berg, a former student of Albaugh, wrote in his nomination letter. "Yes, through his talent, relatability, and passion, he has built a state recognized choral program that continues to grow and improve every year."

In his work with Minnesota choral directors association, Albaugh ran statewide conferences in 2010 and 2011. He has also developed the new Performing Arts Legacy Gala program at Rosemount High.

There were 135 candidates for Teacher of the Year for 2013. A selection panel will be conducting individual interviews with the finalists in the coming weeks.

The finalists will be invited to a May 5 banquet, where the 2013 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced by last year's winner, Jackie Roehl of the Edina School District.

Read former student Chad Berg's recommendation letter in full:

I have never seen a teacher walk into a school of 2000 students and make such an immense difference. Mr. Albaugh cares about each one of his students and has worked tirelessly to build the great choral program that we have today. Yes, through his talent,
relatability, and passion, he has built a state recognized choral program that continues to grow and improve every year. That makes him a good teacher. The thing is, Mr. Albaugh isn't a "good" teacher; he's a great teacher and a great example. I believe he has transformed the environment of the entire high school through preaching tolerance, sincerity, and the power of music in our lives. I know I would not be the same today without his brilliant, brilliant work.