Rochester Catholic Schools’ teacher receives prestigious recognition

(ABC 6 News) – A Rochester kindergarten teacher has been named a recipient of MINNDEPENDENT’s Honor Teacher Award.

Rochester Catholic Schools’ Emily Heydon who has been a kindergarten teacher at St. Pius X School since 2014, is one of two teachers statewide to receive this prestigious recognition as part of the MINNDEPENDENT 2022 Private and Independent Education Awards.

The award recognizes teachers “who display a passion for students, model integrity, compassion, and excellence, drive creativity and innovation, achieve exceptional and measurable outcomes, and demonstrate personal and professional growth.” Heydon will be honored at a celebration hosted by MINNDEPENDENT on May 1. (minndependent.org).

"Ms. Heydon is a shining exemplar of how to be a teacher who deeply cares for her students in their academic, social, personal, and spiritual growth. She is adept at engaging all types of learners, and it is truly remarkable to see the gradual release of responsibility that she fosters with her students,” said St. Pius X Principal Dave Jenson.

To those around her, it is evident that Heydon’s passion for teaching extends beyond her students and classroom. She reinforces a culture of compassion and educational excellence throughout the school and system.

Heydon has been a kindergarten teacher at St. Pius X School since 2014. She is a 2009 graduate of Lourdes High School and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education with an Early Childhood Special Education Certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Master of Arts Degree in Literacy Education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota