Eric Mickelson named ‘Teacher of the Year’

Goodridge Elementary 5th grade teacher, Eric Mickelson, has been nominated by his fellow teachers and named ‘Teacher of the Year!’ Mr. Mickelson began teaching in 1988 in Oklee, MN, for one year. From 1989-92, he taught 5th grade at Viking School, part of the MCC district. He headed to the Goodridge School in the fall of 1992 and has been teaching 5th grade there for the last 25 years!

Of him, Goodridge School Principal, Becky Carlson, says, “Mr. Mick has been an asset to our school in so many ways. He is a fantastic teacher and a wonderful co-worker. He is always doing whatever he can to make sure the students succeed. He is always looking for new ways to do things and trying out new ideas. He has the most positive, exciting, and friendly attitude; it is obvious that he loves his job, his students, and his co-workers very much. Mr. Mick is a wonderful teacher and totally deserving of the TOY award!”

Eric Mickelson not only teaches, but gets involved at the school. He has coached JV and Varsity basketball for 18 years, elementary basketball for 9 years, and JV football for 15 years. He has also been directing the school play for the last 15 years. In addition to those activities, he is also involved with Knowledge Bowl and is the spelling bee director!

When asked what he loves about the Goodridge School, Mr. Mick responded, “EVERYTHING!” He says he loves the small town atmosphere and the staff is fantastic. “I have taught with many people over these 25 years and have always considered everyone on staff my friend; I hope they felt the same about me.”

He also says the community support in Goodridge is awesome. “If there is someone in need or an event happening at the school the people come out in swarms. Not all communities are like that,” he adds.  

Mr. Mick describes his teaching style using the word “PASSION.” He feels if the teacher is excited or passionate about what they are doing, most often it rubs off a little on the students! He especially loves teaching the subjects of history and math.

When not at school, you will find Eric doing something with his family or driving a tractor. In the summer and winter, his family loves to fish. His biggest hobby includes reading, writing and monkeying with old tractors! “I know my love of tractors came from my dad, who always has a story about a tractor they had on the farm. But, also my mom. When she was born, Grandpa bought a little B John Deere for his “son” to drive. Well, his daughter learned to drive it and is quite a farm girl herself,” he laughs. 

In closing, Mr. Mickelson says he is honored to be named ‘Teacher of the Year.’ He wants to thank his wife for putting up with a lot of late coaching nights and says how wonderful she is! He also feels fortunate that all of his kids were with him at the Goodridge School. “They all graduated from Good-ridge and I am thankful for the great education they received from the staff here,” he said.

In honor of his award, Eric will attend an Education Minnesota dinner and the GEA also hosts a celebration at the school to honor him.