Rochester, MN — Rochester Public Schools is proud to announce that Rajaa Ali, a Multilingual Learner (ML) teacher at Gage Elementary School, has been named one of 30 semifinalists for the prestigious 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.
Selected from an initial field of 128 candidates, Ali represents the high caliber of instruction and community dedication within the Rochester Public Schools district. An independent panel of community leaders narrowed the field based on professional high standards and a commitment to student success.
A "proud Gage Gator," Ali is currently in her seventh year of teaching at Rochester Public Schools. Her journey is a full-circle story; she is a product of the district herself, having attended Longfellow Elementary, Friedell Middle School, and Mayo High School.
“Being nominated is a great honor, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” said Rajaa Ali. "They wrote my name on a list with 29 other wonderful educators, but this nomination also belongs to all the educators who have taught me, worked with me, and continue to impact how I show up as an educator every day."
Ali’s resilience was forged early in her career. Starting in the 2019-2020 school year, she navigated the onset of the pandemic as a first-year teacher. She credits that time of rapid change with teaching her the essential ML educator skills of flexibility and pivoting, finding comfort in a supportive team of coworkers to ensure students stayed connected during distance learning.
One of her fondest memories from that era remains a digital chat message from a student who typed, "Gage is my home," followed by five gator emojis—a sentiment that Ali says continues to warm her heart and drive her mission as an educator.
"Rajaa embodies the very mission of Rochester Public Schools," said Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. "As a student and graduate of our district who returned to serve our community, she models the knowledge, independence, and resilience we strive to instill in every student. Her recognition as a semifinalist isn't just a win for Gage Elementary; it's a testament to the extraordinary path to success that our educators pave every day."
The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program, organized by Education Minnesota, is now in its 62nd year. The selection panel will meet again in late March to select approximately 10 finalists. The 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced at a formal ceremony in May.
###