Each year, the National Rural Teacher of the Year program honors the very best in rural education across the country, accepting nominations for a teacher in any rural community in the United States. The National Rural Education Association and the NREA Foundation are excited to announce the 2025 National Rural Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to Mr. Jeff Granrud from Howard Lake, Minnesota!
Jeff Granrud is a dedicated mathematics educator with nearly three decades of teaching experience at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Schools. A 1996 graduate of Mayville State University, Jeff went on to earn his Master of Arts in Education in 2003, further strengthening his expertise and commitment to student success. Over his 28 years at HLWW, he has built a reputation for engaging instruction, a supportive classroom environment, and a commitment to fostering both academic and personal growth in his students.
Jeff’s excellence in education has been recognized through multiple awards, including the 2002 Leadership in Educational Excellence Award, the 2020 HLWW District Teacher of the Year honor, and the 2024 MREA Educator of Excellence Award. These recognitions highlight his dedication not only to his students but also to the broader educational community.
Beyond the classroom, Jeff is an outdoor enthusiast who finds joy in sharing those passions with others. For more than a decade, he has led the Joe Woitalla Memorial Fishing Expo, helping take over 1,000 fourth graders fishing and inspiring a love for the outdoors. He also serves as a Minnesota DNR Hunter Safety Instructor and has coached high school sports for the past 27 years. In addition, he served 11 years with the Howard Lake Fire and Ambulance Departments, reflecting his deep commitment to service, mentorship, and leadership within his rural community.
Jeff was nominated by the Minnesota NREA State Affiliate, the Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA).
“I am honored to write this letter in enthusiastic support of Mr. Jeff Granrud as a nominee for the National Rural Teacher of the Year Award,” wrote MREA Board President Dr. Boyd Bradbury. “Jeff has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment where every student thrives. His passion for teaching and genuine care for his students are evident in every aspect of his work.”
Regarding his ability to make math class engaging and fun, one of Jeff’s students shared: “He always makes it a point to explain that everything he teaches is something they’re going to use somewhere outside of high school.”
Another student agreed: “No matter what subject it is or how hard it is, he always makes us laugh every single day.”
“Jeff Granrud’s impact on the broader rural community is equally commendable,” remarked Dr. Bradbury. “Among other community involvement, Jeff leads a fishing excursion for all fourth graders in his district, a passion project of his that has become the highlight of the year for many fourth graders.”
Congratulations again to Mr. Jeff Granrud for being selected as the 2025 National Rural Teacher of the Year! He will be honored at the 2025 National Forum to Advance Rural Education this fall in Salt Lake City, Utah.
You can learn more about Jeff in this 3-minute video posted by the MREA.
–
The National Rural Education Association (NREA) was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education in 1907. It is the oldest established national organization in the United States. Through the years, it has evolved as a strong and respected organization of rural school administrators, teachers, board members, regional service agency personnel, researchers, business and industry representatives, and others interested in maintaining the vitality of rural school systems across the country.
