Robert Remme, a 1999 graduate of Luverne High School, was selected by his peers at Adrian Public Schools as the 2020-21 Adrian Education Association Teacher of the Year.
Remme, a high school math teacher, was recognized at the Nov. 13 afternoon staff meeting. Due to the coronavirus, no public ceremony was conducted.
His peers commented that Remme is dedicated to his students as well as his co-workers.
“He has established strong connections with students — willing to help them before and after school, and not just if they are ‘his’ students but any student needing math help,” one person wrote on the nomination form.
Another wrote that Remme is constantly “stepping up to the plate and filling roles the district needed assistance in; reliable and willing to help out anyone.”
Another co-worker commended Remme’s work on the virtual Veterans Day Program.
“I feel this award is for all of the teachers in the Adrian School District,” Remme said.
“I am just a small part that helps bring the success of learning to our students each day. It takes all of us working together as a team to bring success to our students and school.”
Teachers in the Luverne School District planted the seeds that led to Remme’s career choice in teaching. He graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall with a degree in mathematics education (5-12).
“My high school teachers had a big influence on my decision,” he said. “I have always enjoyed working with numbers and was excited to pass that on to others. It was fitting to be able to teach at Adrian where my uncle, Dick Remme, was the shop teacher for many years.”
The younger Remme was hired to fill a vacancy in January 2004 and he finished out the school year. He was hired as a full-time instructor that fall and has taught in Adrian ever since.
Another LHS graduate helped the newly hired teacher gain confidence in the classroom.
“I especially owe so much to the late principal, Mr. Tim Christensen (LHS 1983). He was my friend and was there for me,” Remme said.
“He had confidence in me, giving me advice and guidance along the way. He, along with many other great co-workers, helped me become the teacher I am today.”
Much of the confidence-building advice Remme received is now passed on to students, many of whom are now successful adults.
“It is fun to see the students come back after many years to hear their memories of things in my classroom,” he said.
“They always mention the ‘Quadratic Formula Song’ I sang to them in class, helping them to remember an (algebra) formula.”
While the formula song helped some students, Remme said others need a different approach to retain certain lessons.
“Every student is different and you need to find the approach to reach everyone and leave no one behind,” he said.
“Working with COVID restrictions has been a challenge — it has shown me a whole new way of teaching. I never thought I would be teaching with a mask and on a computer for a Zoom session each day.”
Remme is adapting to the changes and said he strives to present a positive face to his students.
“Even though it has been a different year, it has shown me different ways to teach and reach my students, which overall will be better for all of us,” he said.
“I think we all are more appreciative of things now.”