American Federation of Teachers

Delano Teachers Association

Jason Koets named 2020 Teacher of the Year

Graduated from Pipestone High School. Bachelors of Science from Bemidji State University. Master of Education degree from Saint Mary’s University.

Taught 7-12 Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and a yearly musical for seven years at ROCORI Middle School and High School in Cold Spring, MN

Teaches 7th Grade Band, 8th Grade Band, Concert Band,and Wind Ensemble at Delano since 2005. Extracurricular activities include Pep Band, Musical Pit Orchestra Director, and Marching Band.

Music Department Head 2006 - present, SBLT 2005 - present, Q-Comp LPC 2010-2011 and 2014-2016, Delano Music Boosters, and The

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DTA Executive Council Members

The following is a list of Delano Executive Council Members.  DTA Executive council elections occur in May of even years. All Exec Council positions are 2 year positions. Member building locations are listed in parantheses after each name. 

Executive Officers

Monica Kunkel (DHS), Association President

Sarah Bersie (DES) Association Vice President

Nicky Pfeiffer (DIS) Association Secretary

Rebecca Rue (DHS) Association Treasurer

Negotiators

Nate Peterson (DHS) Lead Negotiator/DIS Liason

Dan Mathieson (DHS) DHS Liason

Sarah Bersie (DES) DES/CE Liaison

Delano Elementary School

Heather Wallberg, Member

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John Fitzer named Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to High School Spanish Teacher, John Fitzer on being named Delano Schools Teacher of the Year. 

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Weingarten launches new campaign: ‘Real Solutions for Kids and Communities’

Photo of AFT President Randi Weingarten addressing TEACH 2023

The AFT has always been a solutions-driven union, and our new campaign, launched during TEACH on July 21, proves it once again with a fresh, practical approach to strengthening public education. As AFT President Randi Weingarten pointed out during her keynote speech, the $5 million, yearlong campaign, “Real Solutions for Kids and Communities,” stands up against attacks on public schools and offers real-world solutions to build up, rather than break down, our communities.

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Smears vs. solutions

Randi Weingarten at a Massachusetts high school

Summer is upon us, and parents, children and teachers are winding down from what has been an exhausting and fully operational school year—the first since the devastating pandemic. The long-lasting impact of COVID-19 has affected our students’ and families’ well-being and ignited the politics surrounding public schools. All signs point to the coming school year unfolding with the same sound and fury, and if extremist culture warriors have their way, being even more divisive and stressful.

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In defense of public education

Randi Weingarten and NYC teacher Tamara Simpson

Attacks on public education in America by extremists and culture-war peddling politicians have reached new heights (“lows” may be more apt), but they are not new. The difference today is that the attacks are intended not just to undermine public education but to destroy it.

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