Our “Teacher of the Week” is Karinda Duffy from Annandale

This week's recipient was actually supposed to be honored last year, but the COVID pandemic hit, and all the school's shutdown.  So it's our pleasure to finally announce that this week's "Teacher of the Week" winner is: Karinda Duffy

Mrs. Duffy is the band teacher at Annandale Middle School. She was also a candidate for Teacher of the Year in Minnesota last year. So obviously, this is a very deserving award.

Robbin Bauer nominated Karinda Duffy.  Here is the nomination letter from Robbin:

I nominated Mrs. Duffy last year and she was chosen to receive the Teacher of the Week award, but Covid hit and the schools closed and she never received it. I am nominating her again in the hopes that she will receive her award now that they are back in school.

Mrs. Duffy has spearheaded the Annandale Middle School band program. She has brought band back to the middle school. She also runs the Middle School Marching band in the summer. She really has a flair for getting the kids interested in Band. The band program was in jeopardy of being closed down due to lack of participants, but now it is so big that they can barely fit on the stage when there are concerts.

She is patient and caring and it shows in her students. Please consider giving Mrs. Duffy her award that she earned last year before the schools had to shut down, she is definitely deserving of the award! - Robbin Bauer

Each 'Teacher of the Week' recipient receives gift certificates from Great Harvest Bread Company, Sunday Brunch from Coyote Moon Grille, Morph Salon & Barbershop, a special teacher bouquet from St Cloud Floral, and a plaque from All-Star Trophy and Awards.  A big thanks to Mathnasium of St. Cloud for also sponsoring our "Teacher of the Week."

Nobody knows what this school year will continue to be like. But one thing we knew is that we wanted to continue to recognize teachers in Central Minnesota, no matter how we had to do it. We have been and continue to be ready to adjust to whatever situation presents itself.

If you know a teacher that should be recognized, tell us all about them here.