Charles Crane/MDN Elementary school music teacher and choir director Andee Mattson has been nominated this year for 2024 North Dakota Teacher of the Year.

A local educator has been named as one of the four finalists for the 2024 North Dakota Teacher of the Year. Elementary school music teacher and choir director Andee Mattson was feted at a celebration before Ely Elementary students and staff on Wednesday morning with an introduction by North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler.

Of the 10,000 teachers educating children in North Dakota, only 42 that are winners of their respective county’s teacher of the year are eligible for the state award. Even then, they must go through the steps of applying for consideration and supplying letters of support from students and peers.

Mattson has been teaching elementary music for 14 years after matriculating to North Dakota State University for her undergraduate and master’s degree in music. Mattson estimated she has had around 900 students pass through her classroom in Ely.

Baesler highlighted the myriad of contributions Mattson has made not only in her classrooms but also as a coach of the school’s LEGO League guided robotics program.

“It doesn’t feel right to be standing up here alone when really this honor could be given to any of the teachers in this room. I have been lucky enough to teach here all 14 years of my career and I can say with confidence that Rugby has some of the best teachers, staff and administration in the state,” Mattson said, “I truly do believe I have the best job there is. I spend my days singing, dancing, playing instruments and games every single day. How many adults get to say that?”

Mattson is also involved civically, serving as a critical advocate in favor of a recent $7.9 million bond issue to renovate and expand Ely Elementary to add more spaces for musical performances and classrooms. The issue passed with 79% approval.

“In my time as state superintendent and as school board president in Mandan, I’ve learned how very difficult it can be to get school construction and renovation bonds approved. It only happens when the community feels connected and integrated into the schoolwork and school system.” Baesler said, “Mrs. Mattson has never been afraid to speak up or ask questions when she believes something needs to change. She joins committees. She attends meetings. She finds a way to get herself involved in the decision-making process and solve problems. We all could be a bit more like Mrs. Mattson.”

In that spirit, another overriding theme of the day was urging the young minds in attendance to consider future careers in education. Rugby Superintendent Mike McNeff took the mic at the close to share how the ongoing teacher shortage nearly caused the school to go without a choir teacher. That was until Mattson rose to the occasion.

“That’s how important music is to Mrs. Mattson. She’s going to teach extra prep for us just to have high school choir this year until we find a teacher.” McNeff said, “It’s a testament to her willingness to do the things we need in our district. I appreciate her.”

Mattson will join her fellow finalists at a ceremony on Sept. 28 at the state Capitol’s Memorial Hall where Baesler and Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller will announce the winner.