Four teachers honored for excellence

Four teachers from Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools were recently honored for treating their work as “a calling that touches lives and shapes futures.”

Those words from Mark Schmitz, executive director of Resource Training & Solutions, summarized the positive impact made by select teachers invited to the annual Leadership in Educational Excellence Award banquet in St. Cloud on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

"Your passion and dedication create opportunities for growth, both inside and outside the classroom,” Schmitz added. “Your ability to connect, challenge, and uplift students sets you apart, and we are honored to recognize your achievements. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Among the award-winning educators from 37 central Minnesota school districts were Parkside Elementary third-grade teacher Steve Bratulich, Hanover Elementary special education teacher Colleen Manninen, Buffalo Community Middle School art teacher Jill Post, and BCMS/BHS/Quest English teacher Ryan McCallum.

Steve Bratulich
Bratulich has taught for 14 years in Buffalo, and 26 years overall.

“I was drawn to education because I had a passion for the sense of community, and seeing individuals and the community experience success,” he said. “Working with students and families, building relationships, watching progress, and increasing confidence is most rewarding for me.”

Parkside Principal Jeanna Miller said Bratulich is an outstanding leader who spearheads multiple committees, applies creativity to solve problems, and consistently maintains a “can-do” attitude.

“Known for his resilience and resourcefulness, he consistently seeks ways to overcome challenges while embracing new strategies and professional growth opportunities,” Miller said. “Steve’s unwavering dedication to his colleagues, students, and the educational field embodies the spirit of excellence at Parkside Elementary, making him a most deserving recipient of this honor.”

While the award is an individual distinction, Bratulich credited those around him with helping him achieve success in his field.

“I work with great people who make me better every day,” he said. “My colleagues, students and family are what I appreciate most in my job. It is humbling to be acknowledged for the work that we are all doing together.”

Colleen Manninen
When students need some additional assistance they are well served by Manninen, who has an impressive track record across her 14 years of teaching at Hanover Elementary, 21 total years with BHM Schools and 29 years in education overall.

“She is someone who other staff members reach out to for ideas and strategies, as they have seen the success of students she helps support,” said Hanover Elementary Principal Brad Koltes. “She is someone who teachers and parents have recognized as making a positive difference in students’ lives.”

In that sense, Manninen continues to fulfill the mission she set for herself at the outset of her career.

“I became a special education teacher with the hope of helping students feel good about themselves,” she said. “I enjoy watching my students make progress and working with multiple grade levels.”

Koltes said that Manninen’s effectiveness comes from providing students with consistent expectations, balanced by support and care. Manninen also is a member of the school’s student support team, and provides intervention ideas and resources to teachers in general education classrooms. 

“She continues to look for new ideas and strategies that will help students find success both academically and behaviorally,” said Koltes.

Jill Post
Since joining Buffalo Community Middle School as a mid-year substitute straight out of college just over 13 years ago, Post has become essential fixture of the staff.

“Jill Post has been the cornerstone of our school Art Department, inspiring not only her students but all of us with her kindness, patience, and unwavering dedication,” said BCMS Principal Matt Lubben. “She consistently goes above and beyond, putting her students and the growth of our art program ahead of her own needs. Ms. Post’s flexibility and willingness to adapt to every challenge make her an invaluable member of our school family.”

Post said she became a teacher because she was looking to apply her artistic talent in a way that made a difference. 

“I was seeking a rewarding career and teaching felt like a good fit,” she said. “I continue to enjoy spending my days with young people who are eager to learn and try new things in the art room. It’s gratifying to provide new artmaking experiences for my students. Watching children find joy and pride in what they create energizes me.”

Post added that the award is simply another highlight in what has already been a very rewarding career.

“I genuinely love what I do and receive so much in return from my teaching experiences,” she said.

That disposition is one that Lubben said exemplifies a good teacher.

“This award is a testament to her passion and tireless work, and we are beyond lucky to have her guiding and enriching the lives of our students,” he said.

Ryan McCallum
Ask any BHS student which teachers have had the biggest influence on their learning, and McCallum’s name is likely to come up before long.

“Some people just naturally have more of an ability to influence the culture of a building than others, and Ryan McCallum is certainly one of those people,” said BHS Principal Mark Mischke. 

For his part, McCallum said he is simply following in the footsteps of teachers who inspired him when he was a student at BHS.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. It’s a way to be creative and focus on helping people without ulterior motives,” McCallum said. “However, what cemented my decision was the impact the amazing teachers in my life had on me as I grew up. Teachers like Myrna Magandy, Jim Wilcox, Joel Squadroni, Charley Keifenheim, Carlton Urdahl, Vicki Cary, Leanne Turnquist, Tracy Hagstrom Durant, and countless others changed the trajectory of my life. Getting the opportunity to work alongside many of them has been an honor.”

McCallum has taught for 24 years, all in Buffalo. In addition to his classroom calling, he has “especially cherished” his work with The Hoofprint newspaper, Tatanka Yearbook, and the Knowledge Bowl program. 

Current yearbook advisor Sydney Driver credited McCallum, who won the 2011 Minnesota Journalism Educator of the Year in 2011, with turning the yearbook program into one of the best in Minnesota during his years of leadership.

“He just made it outstanding,” Driver said in a January 2024 article about the yearbook’s perennial success. “He was able to instill this creative side in every kid who started to take (the yearbook class). And then it started to become a class that everybody wanted to take. He was able to create this yearbook culture that has been there ever since, and people are still wanting to get into the class.”

McCallum said his favorite part of the job is working with remarkable people on a daily basis.

“I get to see my students and colleagues shine and be at their creative best every day,” he said. “I get to ask big questions and continually be surprised and impressed by my students’ responses.”

Ultimately, McCallum said the award is far more than an individual honor.

“I’m grateful. I owe a lot to the leaders who mentored me throughout my career,” he said. “It’s nice to have the opportunity to give back to my department and my incredible colleagues.”