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Lifelong Learning
News140137

Mathematics teacher named Moorhead High Teacher of the Year

May 29, 2015

Principal Dave Lawrence calls Brian Olmanson a true asset to Moorhead High School. Olmanson has been a mathematics teacher at Moorhead High for the past five years and this year was named the 2015 Moorhead High Teacher of the Year.

“Brian is an outstanding selection for Moorhead High Teacher of the Year,” Lawrence said. “He cares about students and is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty for his students. The relationships he has developed with his students have facilitated success for his students in the classroom.”

“I love teaching,” Olmanson said. “It is definitely challenging at times, but the interactions I have with my students and colleagues are events I look forward to every day.”

As a high school student, Olmanson had the opportunity to peer tutor.

“This experience helped me to discover that I enjoyed being able to help other students,” he said. “At the same time, I was a counselor at a Boy Scout camp in the summers, which further reinforced my love for teaching.”

Olmanson earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, mathematics education and science education from Bemidji State University. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a technology emphasis. He also coaches the Moorhead High Math League and advises the Chess Club.

As Olmanson has gained experience as a teacher, he is continually trying to adapt his teaching style.

“I try to be responsive to my students’ needs and to adjust my instruction accordingly,” Olmanson said. “Another aspect I focus on while teaching is making personal connections with my students.”

Last year, Olmanson began to develop a hybrid flipped classroom method of teaching.

“Students receive instruction in class and through videos I have made about the content,” Olmanson said. “The goal is to provide students with more prior knowledge before class discussions and activities. Another aspect of this has been to connect with students through technology and show them the educational power of the Internet and other resources.”

Olmanson is happy to share his ideas with other teachers.

“I greatly appreciate and enjoy learning from the exceptional educators that I have the honor to work with,” he said.

Photo Caption: Brian Olmanson, Moorhead High School mathematics teacher and 2015 Moorhead High Teacher of the Year, works with Algebra II students as they practice the addition, subtraction and multiplication of polynomials.

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