 began with 132 candidates and now only 37 semifinalists remain for the title of Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Carla Johnson is a 9th grade English teacher at Brainerd High School and is in running for the honor. Last year, Johnson was announced as Brainerd's Teacher of the Year. A selection panel of 23 community leaders chose the semifinalists across the state. In late March, the panel will review the candidate's portfolios before selecting 10 finalists from the group. The current Minnesota Teacher of the Year, Abdul Wright, will announce his successor to banquet May 7th in Bloomington, Minnesota. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.