“Rachel has helped me make good decisions in life and get on track to graduate. She builds amazing relationships with students and helps a lot of other students in the same way as she helps me.” - Sara Chang, Anoka High School student.
Rachel Jorgensen, a work-based learning teacher at Anoka High School, has been recognized as a 2022-23 Above & Beyond Awards recipient. Her commitment to building up the students to prepare them for life after high school is being celebrated after being nominated by one the students she serves.
“As a coordinator of work-based learning, I have the unique opportunity to work with students, families and community business owners to support students in transitioning into the world of work,” Jorgensen said. “I am constantly networking in all of my interactions, both within the school day and on the evenings and weekends. As a resident of Anoka, I am grateful to live and work in this wonderful community. This gives me a chance to represent our school and students well, leveraging relationships to bolster lifelong student success.”
Jorgensen has worked in the district for 17 years in a variety of roles. After eight years working in special education at Coon Rapids Middle School, she served as a Q-Comp Peer Evaluator for three years before moving into her current role.
Outside of school hours she volunteers her time within the school community and in Anoka. At the school she encourages students to come up with ways to continue to create an inclusive environment for all learners. Through this work she helped form the school’s African Dance Team, hold the first celebration for Eid al-Fitr, and host other events like an after-school Kenyan cooking class.
“I am grateful and deeply blessed to be a part of what is happening at Anoka High School,” Jorgensen said. “We have such fantastic students, staff and leadership, and we truly operate as a family. It's an honor to serve students in work-based learning. My students help me learn and grow as a teacher and a person every day.”
The 2023 Above & Beyond Awards ceremony to honor Jorgensen and 12 other exceptional employees took place March 29 at the Educational Service Center (ESC).
Watch a profile video for Jorgensen.
