Tara Bradford has received the award of Triton’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Bradord has been teaching at Triton Elementary School for 26 years. Only the last few years have been in the current position as the elementary librarian and STEM teacher. All of her previous teaching has been as a Kindergarten teacher.
Tara graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, with a license to teach Preschool through 6th grade.In addition to her undergraduate degree, Tara earned a Masters Degree in Education through Winona State University.
Along with Mrs. Bradfords teaching responsibilities, she has been involved in many professional activities. Tara has been active in Triton Education Minnesota, the local teacher’s union where she served as Co-President. She was a committee member of the PBIS team, Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies, as well as teaching Adult Basic Education classes through Triton Community Education.
As part of the nomination process for Teacher of the Year, colleagues write a brief explanation of who they are nominating. Her colleagues wrote, “Tara has taught in our district for many years as a kindergarten teacher and now as the K-5 STEM teacher. She has filled many roles in our district, one being a former Co-President for our Union. She continues to donate a lot of time to fill union obligations, especially at the Expo in the spring. She always has a smile on her face and always makes other people feel welcomed and valued when she talks with them. She has turned the elementary library into a very fun, engaging place where students enjoy coming to each time. Even when a student struggles in her class, she always puts a positive spin on the situation. Tara has built our school's STEM program from the ground up and often applies for grants to bring fun experiences to our students. Tara goes above and beyond her job description! She is an amazing co-worker and as a teacher who started as a sub here, she was always my go to person. Tara is always willing to help out and is always wanting the best for Triton. She is just AWESOME and is 100% devoted to students at Triton!! I cannot think of another teacher more worthy of this award than Tara.”
When asked, “Why did you choose to become a teacher,” Tara’s response was, “I became a teacher because I’ve always enjoyed being a student. I learned from some of the best on what great teachers can accomplish. Teaching just seems to make sense to me and I get to share my love of learning with others. When I was a young adult, I taught swimming lessons and I discovered that I thoroughly enjoyed planning and carrying the lessons through. I have been an educator for as long as I have because of the energy and excitement that kids bring into the classroom. There are truly no two days that are the same when you are in education. I am grateful that I get to spend my days as a teacher.”
Tara is honored to be recognized by her peers as Teacher of the year. She said, “It is humbling to be nominated and win when I feel like we have so many amazing teachers here at Triton.” In addition to being Triton Teacher of the Year, Tara will become a candidate for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. The program selects one teacher to represent the state’s thousands of excellent educators.
Congratulations Tara Bradford and thank you for serving the Triton community. #wearetriton