One of Albert Lea’s own was honored Tuesday afternoon in the commons at the Albert Lea High School.

Wednesday, April 03, 2002

One of Albert Lea’s own was honored Tuesday afternoon in the commons at the Albert Lea High School. Tom Knudtson was chosen as the 2002 Teacher of the Year for District 241.

In his speech after learning he had been chosen, Knudtson spoke of going to school in the Albert Lea school district, and then coming back as a teacher to work with some of the same teachers he had had when he was a student. He told a story about meeting his second grade teacher after starting work at Clarks Grove Elementary and having her remember in great detail things he had done when he was a student.

His own work as a teacher flows from their efforts, he said. And he also thanked his colleagues at Lakeview for their work as part of the team at that school.

Knudtson has taught in District 241 for 31 years. Currently, he teaches second grade at Lakeview Elementary School. Before that he taught sixth grade for 12 years at Clarks Grove Elementary. He has a degree in elementary education from Winona State University and earned a master of science degree and received a learning disabilities license from Minnesota State University-Mankato. His wife, Judy Knudtson, also works for the district, as the curriculum director.

Knudtson said his goals are to make learning fun and challenging for all kids.

&uot;I try to help students become interested in learning to solve problems by piquing their interest in hands-on science and technology. Kids need to become the best readers, mathematicians and thinkers they can to solve the problems that interest them,&uot; he said.