JWP Fourth Grader Teacher Heather More was nominated for the Outstanding Teacher by MN Ag in the Classroom
A passion for teaching that began at age five, combined with a deep connection to the local community, has led a dedicated JWP fourth grade teacher, Heather More, to receive the prestigious Outstanding Teacher award from Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom.
More is a Bulldog alum, and has been teaching at the ol’ stomping grounds for the past eight years. Her motivations toward becoming an educator came at the surprisingly young age of five years old; in fact, the source of her inspiration belongs to her own kindergarten teacher, Sharon Miller, who solidified that choice. As fate would have it, the two would eventually teach together at JWP, bringing their story full circle.
Though becoming an educator was a lifelong ambition for More, she initially started college as a Business major; however, she quickly pivoted to fulfill that childhood dream, and the rest as they say is history, “I have wanted to be a teacher since I was five years old…watching the process and seeing the students succeed in the classroom is very encouraging and rewarding,” More explained. She received her degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University (MSU) and a Master’s from St. Mary’s in Winona, Rochester.
While her commitment to teaching has always been strong, her specific focus on agricultural literacy grew after marrying her husband, Brian, a farmer in the St. Clair and Pemberton area. As a farm wife and mom to three children, the teacher views her role as a small part of a larger operation,”It’s a busy life but very fulfilling,” she said. “Many farmers carry a large responsibility feeding their communities and keeping economies going strong. Their dedication to the land is inspiring.”
More quickly integrated the resources and goals of MN Ag in the Classroom, an organization dedicated to promoting agricultural literacy across the state by offering free ag magazines, online lessons, and professional development. The most impactful lesson More teaches when it comes to Ag education is about teaching students that farming involves “a whole team,” including those who develop the seeds, design new products, and the mechanics who weld and maintain equipment, “Coming to a small town like this, agriculture is all around us,” she noted. “Almost every kid is relatable to the topic. Everyone knows a farming family.”
Her most recent Ag lesson in the classroom which featured representatives from MN Ag was titled “A Day Without Agriculture.” The goal of the lesson was to identify then limit the use of everyday items that are either direct or indirect byproducts because of agriculture. It was an engaging and exciting day of learning for the students, especially a group of young Bulldog boys who were fascinated to discover the leather on a football is often referred to as a “pigskin.” Looking ahead, the class plans to delve into lessons on genetics, specifically focusing on animal and plant genetics and the work of agronomists, who help create specific crops.
In addition to teaching Ag, More is part of the MN Ag Educator Advisory Team, collaborating four times a year to bring relevant resources and information to fellow teachers. Though she won’t receive the official Outstanding Teacher award until February 2026, this isn’t the first time More has been recognized for her efforts in the classroom, receiving JWP’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2023, “It’s great to know hard work pays off and is appreciated,” More shared. “I hope I am making the farmers proud and inspiring future generations.”
More humbly accepts the honors awarded to her, but she acknowledged that excelling in the classroom is a team effort, “I want to thank my team at JWP, especially Amy Miller, who is always willing to follow along with my ideas and lessons. Thank you to my family for their support, and most of all, thank you to my five-year-old self for dreaming big.”
Let that last sentence be an important reminder folks: Dream big and work hard, success is sure to follow.
