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Do you remember your favorite teacher? You know, that person who not only taught you academics but also inspired you to learn or taught you to become a better person?

Even as adults, it’s not hard to think back to our own childhoods and remember the teachers who stood out from our time in the classroom.

These teachers made learning fun, they had a genuine interest in their students and they taught more than just the subject they were assigned to teach.

It’s that time of year to pause and thank our teachers in the Albert Lea school district who have made that difference in our children’s lives and nominate them for the annual Teacher of the Year award.

Aside from when they’re at home, students spend more time with their teachers and at school than they do anywhere else when school is in session.

According to the district, the purpose of the Teacher of the Year program is to express appreciation to the many outstanding educators whose examples serve as inspiration to parents, students and fellow teachers.

The winning teacher each year is representative of the many teachers who daily influence the lives of students.

If you have a nomination, visit https://www.alschools.org/our-district/teacher-of-the-year for more information.

Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 21 with the annual Teacher of the Year ceremony in April.