 Well, six teachers from the Lakeland viewing area are among those chosen as candidates for the 2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award. This year's winner will be chosen from a field of 168 overall candidates. The number of candidates this year is the third most in the 55-year history of the award. And it includes these teachers from around the Lakeland viewing area, June Dogren of Brainerd Public Schools, Steven Booth of the La Porte Public School District, Katie Leiser of Long Prairie Gray Eagle Public Schools, Julie Ernest of the Roseau School District, Mandy Galant of Wadena Deer Creek Public Schools, and Keri Slindi of Blacktuck. The 2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced May 5th. Over the coming weeks, a 25-member panel of community leaders will name a group of semi-finalists and finalists. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.