By Lori EhdeSteve Kollmann’s formula for successful teaching is to build students’ self esteem while having fun."I try to create an atmosphere in my class where everyone has fun," said Kollmann, who was named 2005 Teacher of the Year during Education Week activities Monday."We do a lot of different activities so everyone can feel good about themselves."Kollmann said he hopes those classroom experiences carry over into other areas of his students’ lives — both physically and emotionally."I hope the skills they learn here will carry over into a lifetime of physical activity," he said."I try to make all the kids feel good about themselves. To some kids, phy ed is the highlight of their day. They may not excel in the classroom, but in my class they all have a chance to excel."Kollmann was named Teacher of the Year during a ceremony after school Monday in the elementary commons.Teacher of the Year for 2004, Sandy Klosterbuer, announced Kollmann as the new selection."Many consider this educator to be a constant source of encouragement and enthusiasm," she began.She said Kollmann takes pride in his work and treats students with respect."This educator has been a great ambassador for the Luverne Public Schools for over 30 years," Klosterbuer said. "He is greatly respected by not only the students and the community here in Luverne, but by past students and athletes in surrounding communities."Kollmann said he’s surprised he qualified for the honor, since he hasn’t lived in Luverne for years."This is totally awesome and really unexpected," he said accepting his plaque. "…Teaching physical education doesn’t always get the respect it deserves."Kollmann, who plans to retire after this school year, thanked his peers for the honor."I really feel part of a very, very good team," he said. "Thank you all for being part of that team and helping me achieve this."Elementary physical education teacher Dan Amborn was particularly pleased to see Kollmann named Teacher of the Year."He’s an incredible human being … extremely positive," Amborn said after Monday’s ceremony. "He cares deeply about each and every one of the kids."Amborn said Kollmann has been a mentor for him through the years."The kind of human being that he is makes him a wonderful ambassador for the school system and whatever organization he’s involved in," Amborn said.