The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program is the oldest and most prestigious in the state recognizing excellence in teaching. The 1995 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, Mary Beth Blegen, Worthington, went on to become the 1996 National Teacher of the Year. Blegen was the fourth Minnesotan to gain the national honor.
Bungum was named Paynesvilleâs Teacher of the Year last spring. She was among 77 teachers going before a panel of 25 judges. The field was narrowed down to 24 Teachers of Excellence, then down to 10 Honor Roll Teachers. Bungum was among the group honored as Teachers of Excellence.
Bungum has taught in the Paynesville School District since 1986. Under her guidance, the vocal music program has grown from 19 to almost 100 students. She teaches vocal music to students in fifth through 12th grade. Under her direction, the high school choir has performed ã100 Years of Broadway,ä and ãIt Happened at the Snackbar.ä They were also selected to perform at the MMEA Mid-Winter Clinic in 1994, the ACDA Fall Convention in 1991, has received superior ratings at large group contests; the middle school choir also performed at the MEEA Mid-Winter Clinic in 1991. The High School Pops Choir has also been selected to sing the National Anthem three years at the Timberwolves game.
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