ST. PAUL, Minnesota — Monica Eggert, a special education support professional at Rochester Alternative Learning Center, has been named the 2025-26 Education Minnesota Education Support Professional of the Year.

Eggert, who has worked for Rochester Public Schools for 13 years, is known for her unique approach to building trust with students. She greets each student by name every morning, believing it fosters a sense of belonging. “It’s these tiny, repeat moments that I know will create the biggest ripple effect in our students’ lives,” Eggert said.

Colleagues praise Eggert for her empathy and ability to connect with students. Sweta Patel, a community school site coordinator, said, “Monica brings an alternative mindset and deep empathy to this work—qualities that are essential in supportin

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