Ronning

Janae Ronning, an English Language Learner instructor at the Minot Adult Learning Center, was named educator of the year at the North Dakota Association for Lifelong Learning Virtual Fall Conference on Oct. 2.

“I’m shocked, I’m honored,” said Ronning “… It’s hard to put into words. The reward itself is just to know that I’m making a difference in these people’s lives” but it is the ultimate compliment for her to be honored by her colleagues.

Ronning started her career as an elementary education teacher in Mandan for eight years. She later stayed home with her children until they were in school and then slid over into teaching ELL classes at the Adult Learning Center, where she has taught for about 10 years.

Ronning has taught students from around the world. In a normal year, students from about 30 different countries are represented.

“They are so motivated” to learn English, said Ronning, and she knows the ELL classes make a big difference in helping her students get better jobs and fill out important forms.

She has befriended some of her students and gotten to know their families as well. During the 2016 election she helped a student who had just become a U.S. citizen understand a ballot.

“I have learned so much just from working with them,” she said. Her students have opened her eyes to different cultures and different ways of living.

“They come here without extended family, so we become their family and their lifeline and their connection,” said Ronning.

Last spring, when school buildings were closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Ronning found herself teaching some of her classes online. They made it work, but it wasn’t an ideal setting for students who are learning English and often rely on the people they meet at the Adult Learning Center for regular social interaction.

This fall Ronning is back to teaching classes face-to-face, with much smaller class sizes. Masks are worn in the hallways and when people are close to each other, but most of the time students can be seated at least six feet apart in the classroom. Masks are not always required in the classroom. Ronning said it’s easier for students practicing English if they can see her face while she’s pronouncing a word.

Ronning said she was put on the earth to teach. She also teaches yoga, Zumba, and coaches volleyball at Bishop Ryan Catholic School.

“I’ve been teaching in some capacity for more than 20 years,” she said in a follow-up email. “Knowing I have the ability to help people live better, do better, or feel better, feeds my soul. I’m grateful for the gifts I’ve been given. Whether I’m on the court, in the studio, on the dance floor, or in the classroom, knowing I get to help people learn, grow, develop, and succeed is the best award I could ever win.”

Ronning was nominated for the award by the staff at the Adult Learning Center. She said just being around her staff helps make her better every day.

The Educator of the Year Award is given to an individual who contributes significantly to the field of education, models professionalism, continues to upgrade educational skills, and promotes education locally and statewide, according to information provided by the North Dakota Association for Lifelong Learning.

“From day one at the MALC, Janae has been a dedicated and enthusiastic English Language staff member and has been a perfect addition to our staff,” said Marcia Beck, Minot Adult Learning Center staff member in the information provided by MCALC about the award. “She is dedicated to her students, our center and adult education as a whole.

North Dakota Association of Lifelong Learners is a statewide association that supports adult education and alternative education.