ST PAUL, Minnesota — An Eden Prairie educator and gymnastics coach has been named Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year for 2025.
Linda Wallenberg, who is in her 49th year of teaching, received the award from Education Minnesota on Sunday.
“Teaching is about the journey – the opportunity every fall and every single day to begin anew, to guide students along their own journeys, to build people, not just scholars,” Wallenberg told reporters in a statement.
“I believe teaching is a calling of love, an awakening of sorts – creating a sacred space where students can feel seen, believe in themselves, and trust their own authentic voices to take them out to the world.”
Wallenberg, who has been named Eden Prairie Teacher of the Year three times, has worked at Eden Prairie High School since 1977.
She has also worked as the school’s gymnastics coach and written two gymnastics books.
“Before meeting ‘Wally,’ I did not understand what true, unbridled devotion looked like,” wrote Sophia Yoerks, an Eden Prairie High School 2024 graduate, in a recommendation letter for Wallenberg, according to Education Minnesota.
“She not only teaches impactful and informative material, but she also finds countless ways for herself and her students to connect with it. Even though I’ve known her for nearly five years, she continues to amaze me.
