Northfield Middle School teacher Earl Weinmann has been named a regional honoree in the WEM Foundation’s 2014 Outstanding Educator Awards, a program seeking to support exemplary Minnesota teachers.

Weinmann will be honored in the program’s Teacher Achievement category, for inspiring and assisting students to attain greater learning “as evidenced by student achievement.” He has been teaching for 26 years and currently teaches seventh grade social studies.

“As a classroom teacher, Earl has honed his ability to connect with adolescents and assist their parents as well,” said Jeff Pesta, principal of the middle school. “One of the hallmarks of his regular courses is the Defining Moments assignment. This activity unites parents and students in an activity that passes down both world and family history from one generation to the next.”

In partnership with the Northfield Historical Society and Carleton College, Weinmann also developed a unique student enrichment opportunity in the district with the establishment of the Student Community Outreach Program Experience (SCOPE). Students in SCOPE spend two hours each weekday conducting research and developing materials that relate to a chosen topic about Northfield history.

Last fall a textbook written by SCOPE students was released for sale and distributed to district elementary schools and media centers. Titled “Our Story: A Guide to the History of Northfield, Minnesota,” the book was developed specifically for third graders but offers readers of any age an easy-to-digest trip through the birth and growth of the community.

In addition to teaching, Weinmann has been active in the Northfield Education Association as a teacher’s representative, vice president and negotiation committee member.

Educators are nominated for the WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Program by students, parents, colleagues or community members. In 2014, six educators received statewide honors and seven educators were named as regional honorees.

For more information about the awards, visit www.synergyexchange.org.