Ely’s Mattson named ND teacher of the Year finalist
Ely Elementary School music teacher Andee Mattson is one of four finalists for North Dakota Teacher of the Year for 2024.
Mattson’s choice to spend part of her summer vacation teaching music seemed to fit perfectly with her love for music.
“Music has always had a special place in my heart. My mom was a music therapist and I grew up singing alongside her, said Mattson. “I was very active in music throughout high school, participating in band and choir. I was even nominated to be a part of an honor choir that traveled to Europe for 16 days my junior year. We sang in six different countries. I had always wanted to be a teacher, but that is what really solidified my choice to go into music education.”
Mattson said she would begin her 14th year of teaching this fall all of her years in teaching have been at Ely Elementary School.
“At NDSU, I had amazing professors that showed me the true meaning of how important music could be,” said Mattson. “It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and now I get to share it with others. It’s a great feeling.”
Other finalists for North Dakota 2024 Teacher of the Year are Sheila Peterson, Mandan, of Wachter Middle School in Bismarck; Trisha Schaefer, Minot, of Ramstad Middle School and Megan Wasness, Devils Lake, of Devils Lake Central Middle School.
The winner of the North Dakota 2024 Teacher of the Year Award will be announced at a ceremony open to the public, Thursday, Sept. 28 at Memorial Hall in the state capitol.