I was inspired by the column about American Education Week and thought I’d write and thank my favorite teacher, Rory Mattson. Mr. Mattson was my fifth-grade teacher at Halverson Elementary School in Albert Lea. I remember how much I liked that he incorporated art and music into our class. I especially remember that he really encouraged reading, not forced or required, but encouraged. He had a bookshelf in his room with books we could borrow and many of them offered a broader scope of interest and reading levels than what we were generally reading. I borrowed and read George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and I think that it was that book that really led me to love literature.

So thank you, Mr. Mattson. To this day art and music and literature play a big part in my life and my children’s lives. Thank you for being passionate about teaching and creative with your lessons. Thank you for books that opened doors.

Happy American Education Week; gosh, I hope I didn’t misspell anything.

Joanna Dye

Albert Lea