Linda "Wally" Wallenberg is one of five finalists for National Teacher of the Year!

Linda Wallenberg, the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, has been named one of five finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year! Because she is the first-ever Minnesota Teacher of the Year from Eden Prairie, this is also the very first time we have ever had a national finalist.

Wallenberg — known affectionately as “Wally” by her students — has taught English at Eden Prairie High School for nearly 50 years. Her selection as a national finalist highlights Minnesota’s long and distinguished history in the National Teacher of the Year program. Minnesota is tied for third nationally in the number of National Teachers of the Year produced, with four — a reflection of the state’s enduring commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. 

“This is a moment of tremendous pride for Minnesota and for Linda,” said Dr. Heather Campbell and Jennifer Niemi, co-chairs of the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Program, in a joint statement. “Linda represents the very best of our profession — deep expertise, unwavering commitment to students and a belief that teaching is ultimately about helping young people discover who they are and who they can become. To see her recognized on the national stage is both fitting and inspiring.”

For decades, Wally has inspired countless students to follow their dreams, and many to become teachers themselves. “As educators, we know what magic in a classroom looks like. Students come alive, ideas flow and the energy is palpable,” said Dr. Jaysen Anderson, principal at Eden Prairie High School. “That happens in ‘Wally’s’ class every day. After half a century of teaching, she continuously shows up with the same enthusiasm and excitement as year one. There’s a reason her students remember her for a lifetime. What’s even more extraordinary is how she remembers nearly every one of the thousands of learners she has connected with – her endless collection of photos of students long since graduated is a living testimonial of her belief of ‘one student at a time; one comma at a time.’”

“In every lesson she leads, in every student she supports, in every colleague she champions, she reminds us of what exceptional education looks like,” said Superintendent Dr. Josh Swanson. “We could not be prouder and more excited that people across America will get to see the spark she ignites through her passion for education and her devotion to raising our next generation to be innovative creators, critical thinkers, strong collaborators and unparalleled communicators.”

The National Teacher of the Year finalists were selected from a cohort of Teachers of the Year from all 50 states, U.S. extra-state territories, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity. From that group, the National Teacher of the Year is chosen by an independent selection committee, comprised of representatives of national K-12 education organizations. Each finalist will advance to the final round of interviews in Washington, D.C., in early March. The 2026 National Teacher of the Year will be announced later in the spring. 

You've made us so proud, Wally. Eagle Nation is rooting for you!