April 3, 2025 — Sarah Wright, a speech-language pathologist at Shirley Hills Primary School, has been named 2025 Westonka Teacher of the Year. Westonka Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Borg surprised Wright in front of her colleagues at Shirley Hills on Thursday afternoon.

Representing each of Westonka's school buildings, candidates for the district’s top teaching award are nominated by their colleagues, students and community members for their exceptional commitment to student learning. Wright was selected from a talented pool of nominees, including Wendy Richards from Mound Westonka High School, Libby Ackerson from Grandview Middle School, Alyssa Kanive from Hilltop Primary School and Lindsai Djerf from Westonka Early Learning. Wright and Richards were also among the 142 candidates for 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. [Read more about the 2024-2025 building teachers of the year]

Wright has served as a speech-language pathologist at Shirley Hills since joining the district in 2008. Wright calls speech and language skills “the foundation that learning is built on” and in her work helps to diagnose and provide therapy services for students with identified speech and language disorders. With those students, Wright addresses specific speech and language goals to help improve their communication skills.

In her recommendation letter to the Minnesota Teacher of the Year committee, Director of Special Services Dr. Emily Rustman wrote:

“In my years at Westonka Public Schools, I've witnessed educators dedicated to their craft, but few embody the passion and impact of Sarah Wright. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of students, families, and colleagues alike. She is an advocate, a mentor, and a leader who exemplifies the very essence of what a ‘Teacher of the Year’ should be.”

In another recommendation letter, Shirley Hills Dean of Students Beth Hausladen wrote of Wright’s “exceptional ability to engage and support students in their growth.” “What truly sets Sarah apart is her individualized approach to teaching,” Hausladen wrote. “She takes the time to understand each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and communication needs, offering personalized guidance that ensures success.”

Wright will be recognized, along with her fellow building teachers of the year, district retirees and the Ann Bremer White Hawks Award winners, at the Westonka Staff Recognition event May 2 at the Westonka Performing Arts Center.

Pictured (from left): Superintendent Kevin Borg, Shirley Hills Principal Scott Eidsness, 2025 Westonka Teacher of the Year Sarah Wright, Director of Special Services Dr. Emily Rustman, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Mark Femrite