Langlois nominated for state teaching honor

It’s becoming familiar territory for Mark Langlois, a teacher with Owatonna Public Schools.
Last May, he was named Owatonna’s Teacher of the Year.
Last month, he was named a nominee for Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year for 2022.
“It’s very humbling to be nominated, and people have been so kind in celebrating with me,” Langlois said. “I’m so fortunate to represent ISD 761 at this level and to be a part of the amazing things that are happening in our schools.”
Now in his 14th year in the district – but in his first year as a middle-school teacher, Langlois has been teaching since 1999.
“Each day, I try to make learning fun and engaging,” he said. “It’s a challenge, but I love to see students excited about learning new things. We’re all curious; it’s about finding a way to tap into that curiosity.”
A native of Grafton, Wis., his example was an elementary teacher named Mrs. Bergin, who Langlois said “was the first teacher who believed in me. She made learning fun and had high expectations.”
He started working with kids in sports camps and soon recognized that building relationships with them was key.
“Students need to know you care about them and that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to help them be successful,” Langlois said. “It’s not doing what is easy, but doing what is best for students.”
The 77 candidates for 2022 Minnesota Teacher of the Year must submit a portfolio, which will be read over the next couple of weeks by an independent panel of leaders in the fields of education, business, government, nonprofit and philanthropy. The panel will then narrow the list to a group of semi-finalists.
Langlois said his portfolio included two essays: His philosophy of education and another about an education issue he’s passionate about. He also had to create an education resume.
“It was a great chance to reflect on my journey in education,” he said. “I love getting to know my students … and I want to make an impact on their lives. Our words and actions can change a student/adult forever, and we have that opportunity each and every day.”
Langlois is thankful for his family’s support; his wife is a school counselor at Owatonna High School.
As the head golf coach for OHS, it’s no surprise that a great day outside of his classroom includes a round of golf, “going out for pizza with my family, and just spending an evening at home watching sports or a movie and playing family games.”
At school, “an outstanding day is full of energy, with students asking questions, excited about the discovery learning happening and all you see are smiles on the kids’ faces,” Langlois said. He loves to see them “showing their independent learning in a variety of ways.”
In March, the judging panel will convene again and review additional information from the semi-finalists to select a group of finalists.
The winner will be named at the Minnesota Teacher of the Year banquet, which is set for May 1 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.
Eligible candidates include pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, Early Childhood Family Education and Adult Basic Education teachers from public or private schools.