Passionate, professional, knowledgeable and compassionate are some of the words that describe Sara Thronson, said Robin Grooters, director of early learning programs for Moorhead Area Public Schools. Thronson, an early childhood special education teacher, was selected as the 2015 Probstfield Teacher of the Year.

“Sara’s enthusiastic approach to her work is driven by her dedication of working with children and her genuine concern for their welfare,” Grooters said. “She demonstrates great compassion for each and every student and staff member she encounters. Sara is never one to complain and focus on the negative. She always has a ‘can do’ attitude and looks for solutions rather than obstacles.”

This is Thronson’s fourth year in the district as an early childhood special education teacher for Early Intervention Services. Prior to that she taught in the Northwest Regional Interdistrict Council Special Education Cooperative serving schools in northern Minnesota.

Thronson was in high school when she decided to be an early childhood special education teacher after working with a young boy with disabilities. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Thronson finds that many of the students she works with are hands-on learners.

“I love the challenge of trying to meet the needs of each of their unique learning styles. I believe that I learn just as much from the children as they learn from me,” Thronson said. “There are always new things to learn and implement within our teaching, and I believe that is how we grow to be better teachers. This field is an ever-changing one, and I feel fortunate to work with the wonderful people, children and families that I do.”

“She is continually learning and improving on her skills to best meet the educational needs of her students,” Grooters said. “Sara is truly a collaborator among her team members. She is willing to share her knowledge with others as well as ready to learn from her fellow colleagues.”

According to Grooters, Thronson is a respected professional in her field.

“Sara is always highly professional when working with families, students, colleagues and administration. Her calm and confident demeanor makes her a role model for our special education team and a true ambassador for our district,” Grooters said.

“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the smiles on those little faces when they know they have accomplished whatever it is they have been working on,” Thronson said. “To me, there is nothing better.”