WINONA, Minn. – The Winona High School band director, Tim Gleason learned he was Winona Education Association’s Teacher of the Year at an unexpected surprise event while teaching a band class. The announcement came in Gleason’s 28th year teaching in Winona. Gleason’s gifts as a teacher are in his blood. His father, Jerry, a Winona High graduate, was a band director 40 years in Arcadia, Durand and La Crosse. Tim followed that path. He has taught thousands of students in Grades 5-12 . In addition, he has spent 26 years coaching basketball, 14 as head coach, and 23 years coaching track and field, 16 years as a head coach. The official recognition will be at a WEA reception November18 at the American Legion, 302 East Sarnia Street . The reception, which is free and open to the public, begins at 4 p.m.
Gleason at the surprise. The secret to his teaching? “Human interaction is the key,” he said. “Students want to know how much you care before they care how much you know. I believe in abundance, not scarcity.” Image: John Casper