She serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Music Teachers Association and plays in a local orchestra but Sabrina Olson knows the importance of connecting with her students is the foundation of her success. Her invitation of a “guest artist” to come to Anoka Middle School for the Arts is one indication of her student-centered approach.     Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.

Emily Niemi encourages her students at Anoka Middle School for the Arts to get involved in clubs and activities as a way to build skills needed for success in life. Learn how one the clubs she advises helped homeless youth in a big way in this podcast episode. Her awareness and outreach for all students is a pillar of her approach and allows her to make meaningful connections. Her love of literature shines through but the books on her “must read” list may cause a few students to be surprised.  Special thanks goes to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Above & Beyond Awards. Learn more about their work at ahef.us. For more about other Above & Beyond winners, listen in for additional podcasts in this series, or visit ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond.