 Teachers from Rozo, Peers and Brainerd are all in the running for the 2017 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, which will be chosen from a field of 132 candidates. This year's program will name the 53rd Minnesota Teacher of the Year, celebrating the tradition of excellence in teaching in Minnesota. Candidates include Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade and adult basic education teachers from public or private schools. Teachers from the Lakeland viewing area include Carla Johnson from Brainerd, Jessica Rockallaw of Peers, and Brenda Dahl of Rozo. The 2017 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced Sunday, May 7th at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Bloomington, Minnesota. Now over the coming weeks a 25-member panel of community leaders will name a group of semifinalists and finalists. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.