Pacelli Catholic Schools teacher Jim Parlin is a finalist for the teacher of the year, which will be awarded in April.

The Minnesota Independent School Forum (MISF) announced Parlin and other finalists for the 2015 Private and Independent Education Awards. The awards program recognizes a number of teachers, academic programs, staff and volunteers contributing to the success of private and independent schools in Minnesota. Winners for high school, elementary levels will be announced at the awards ceremony on April 26 at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

Finalists include: Parlin; Twyla Beyers, Legacy Christian Academy in Andover; Andrea Hahm, Trinity Lutheran School in Belle Plaine; Peter Horton, Cotter Schools in Winona; Mark Kenney, St. Charles Borromeo School in Minneapolis; and Nancy Stockhaus, Benilde-St. Margaret’s in St. Louis Park.

“These awards recognize excellence in independent and private education,” said Greg Anklam, vice president and Managing Director at RBC Wealth Management, awards committee chair, and board member at MISF, in a press release. “Private and independent schools are known for the high standards they set. Those standards wouldn’t be met without many amazing teachers, volunteers, and staff.”

Several additional awards for to recognize staff, volunteers, and academic programs will also be given out.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) grants will also be presented to about 30 elementary and high schools through MISF’s STEM Program. The grant money will assist schools in developing hands-on curriculum to prepare students to be workforce leaders in STEM careers. “There is a rich tradition of private and independent education in cities and towns across Minnesota,” said Tim Benz, MISF President, in a press release. “These individuals and programs illustrate the innovative and passionate spirit alive and flourishing in schools in Minnesota.”