Mankato Teachers Association Names Amanda Kozitza Teacher of the Year
Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) is proud to celebrate Amanda Kozitza, a seventh-grade U.S. Studies teacher at Prairie Winds Middle School, who has been named the Mankato Teachers Association Teacher of the Year.
Kozitza is being recognized for her dedication to students, creative teaching practices and leadership within the school community. Known for her enthusiasm and ability to build meaningful relationships, she creates a classroom environment where students feel valued, supported and excited to learn.
Beyond the classroom, Kozitza has made a lasting impact through her involvement in AVID and her leadership in the WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program, which helps students build connections and develop a sense of belonging at school.
Her commitment to education also extends to supporting fellow educators. Throughout her career, Kozitza has served as a mentor, coach and trusted colleague, offering guidance and encouragement to teachers at every stage of their careers.
In her nomination, a colleague who has worked alongside Kozitza for ten years described her as an educator whose influence reaches far beyond her own classroom.
“She has an incredible ability to make the people around her feel calm, supported, and capable. She does this not only for students, but for her fellow teachers as well.”
The nomination also highlighted Kozitza’s willingness to embrace the fun and energy of middle school, whether participating in schoolwide activities, encouraging students or finding creative ways to make learning memorable.
“She understands something incredibly important about working with middle school students: sometimes the best way to reach them is to be willing to have fun right alongside them.”
Kozitza’s recognition reflects the positive influence one educator can have on an entire school community. Through her passion for teaching, commitment to student success and encouragement of those around her, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and colleagues at Prairie Winds Middle School.
Mankato Area Public Schools congratulates Amanda Kozitza on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for the dedication, leadership and joy she brings to education every day.
