Embedded Files
My name is Jamie Weisz and I am excited to start my TWENTY-THIRD year as a special education teacher. I attended the University of North Dakota from 1997 to 2003 earning my B.S. in Elementary Education and M.Ed. in Special Education. In the summer of 2001, I furthered my educational and leadership skills by working at the United States Space & Rocket Center (NASA Affiliate) in Huntsville, Alabama. As a Space Camp Counselor, I had the privilege of instructing children of all ages, even adults, about the history of space exploration through lectures, hands-on activities, and space shuttle simulations. It was the best summer job, ever!
I spent my first seven years of teaching in Michigan (near Traverse City, MI) then moved to Minneapolis to get closer to family and friends. This is my thirteenth year in the Anoka-Hennepin School District; where I currently serve as a special education math teacher at Champlin Park High School.
RECOGNITIONS
In February 2021, Minnesota Educator magazine did a feature story about my creative approach to motivating students during distance and hybrid learning.
In October 2020, I sat down with Dave Schwartz from NBC affiliate KARE 11 to have a conversation about ways in which I have motivated and connected with students outside the boundaries of teaching and classroom instruction during these unprecedented times in education.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MV6llKRwqo
During the 2017-2018 school year, I was asked by our administrative team at Coon Rapids High School to serve as the "Kindness Coordinator" to promote a culture of kindness in our building by implementing and overseeing student led kindness activities. My kindness efforts were featured in the May 2018 issue of Reader's Digest in addition to being recognized with awards at the local and national level. Throughout the year I also coordinated various celebrity messages for students to watch on our daily announcements. Here is a video with introductions of all the individuals followed by their kindness message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeHCUFZXyBM&feature=youtu.be
VIDEOS I HAVE COORDINATED FOR MY STUDENTS
MUSIC
My friend Eric Carpenter was one of the original members of No Doubt before leaving the band to pursue a career in journalism. He has shared many great stories about his time with the band, which began when he and his high school friends decided to start a group, record an album, and tour the U.S. in rented vans—often making just enough money to cover gas. My friendship with Eric has led to continued support for my special needs program from Gwen Stefani’s management team and The Voice publicity team. A huge thank-you to Full Stop Management (Tina and Liz) for helping coordinate the video message below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61jDtTO5xRU
Garth Brooks is one of the best-selling and most influential artists in country music history. Known for energetic live performances and crossover hits like “Friends in Low Places,” “The Dance,” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” Brooks has won multiple CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year. His impact on country music has helped shape the genre for generations of artists and fans.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jhQ6OuZvz0A
The management team for Jelly Roll provided me with a VIP Family and Friends backstage pass to meet with Jelly before his concert at U.S. Bank Stadium so that I could get a photo, a signed item, and a video message for my students.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/p0_ZYdTYopY
Old Dominion is an American country music band known for blending modern country sounds with pop and rock influences. The group has built a strong reputation for catchy songwriting and relatable lyrics, with popular songs like One Man Band, Break Up with Him, and Hotel Key. In recent years, they have become one of the most awarded groups in country music, including earning multiple CMA Vocal Group of the Year honors.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y1sgHp4ie5w
Carly Pearce is a Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award-winning country music artist known for her honest songwriting and powerful vocals. She rose to fame with her breakthrough hit “Every Little Thing” and has continued to earn success with songs like “What He Didn’t Do,” “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and “Never Wanted to Be That Girl.” Pearce won the 2021 CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year and is recognized as one of country music’s leading female artists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G5kgEUlwmw
Tucker Wetmore, winner of the 2026 CMA New Male Artist of the Year award, has quickly become one of country music’s rising stars. Known for his breakout hit “Brunette,” Wetmore blends country storytelling with a modern sound that has connected with fans. Some of his other popular songs include “Wind Up Missin’ You,” and “3,2,1.”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/evDIZ9Snrgk
Walker Hayes made the whole world sing (and dance) when he dropped 'Fancy Like' in 2021, a playful country-pop anthem that went viral on TikTok for its catchy beat and fun lyrics celebrating simple pleasures—like date nights with his wife at Applebee’s. The song not only topped the charts but also sparked a nationwide craze for its dance moves and relatable, down-to-earth charm.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YUBG5ySBEuw
Twenty One Pilots is an American musical duo made up of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. Known for blending alternative rock, hip-hop, pop, and electronic music, the group has gained worldwide popularity with songs like Stressed Out, Ride, and Heathens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ioXAMKvvOc
Fitz and The Tantrums is an American indie pop and neo-soul band known for their energetic performances and catchy hits like HandClap and Out of My League.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/blxUPkdxddc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2V6yjjPbX0
Rob Thomas is an American singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Matchbox Twenty. He has also built a successful solo career, earning praise for his songwriting and distinctive voice. A special thanks to Nick Lippman and his team for all of their continued support.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CMV7rFhfjWM
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Randy Moss is a former NFL wide receiver and one of the most dynamic playmakers in football history. He starred primarily with the Minnesota Vikings, where his speed, athleticism, and deep-threat ability made him nearly unstoppable. Moss was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and remains one of the most iconic receivers the game has ever seen. A special thanks to ESPN for coordinating this video message from former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver/Hall of Famer Randy Moss.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/l3GQjVduOu0
The FOX NFL Sunday studio team features Curt Menefee as the host, guiding the broadcast with experience and professionalism. He is joined by a star-studded panel that includes Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, and Rob Gronkowski, all of whom bring championship pedigree and unique personalities to the show. Together, they combine analysis, humor, and insight to deliver one of the most popular pregame shows in sports television.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjgJGaKDCvQ
Since the early 1990s, Mike Tirico has been a staple of the sports broadcasting scene and for the last several years, has been the lead play-by-play announcer for Sunday Night Football on NBC. Thanks to Dan and his NBC Communications team for coordinating the below message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o70bjqHlYts
Stefon Diggs (former Minnesota Vikings player) continues to be a favorite NFL player with my students, and we thank his former Buffalo Bills coach for coordinating this nice shout out message.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ_2e-EZ4mM
Justin Jefferson is a star wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings and one of the most explosive offensive players in the NFL. Known for his precise route running, strong hands, and highlight-reel catches, he quickly became one of the league’s top receivers. Jefferson has already earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors early in his career and continues to set records at a historic pace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Digtf-5L0WI
In March 2022, a representative for NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre contacted me to share that Brett was in town for a coaching clinic and wanted to do something special for my students during his visit. Here is a video link from our Brett Favre event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR9aB9tvtKo
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Mike Trout is a Los Angeles Angels superstar and one of the most accomplished players in Major League Baseball. A multiple-time American League MVP and perennial All-Star, he is widely regarded as one of the best all-around players of his generation. This video from Trout has been a “hit” with my students and is a great way to connect them with one of baseball’s biggest names.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFpOdOgyqkI
Luke Keaschall is a professional baseball player in the Minnesota Twins organization and one of the team’s top young prospects.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bTutAMXd0kM
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
A special thanks to Lenny Daniels (former President of Turner Sports), Ben, and the NBA on TNT crew for coordinating this video with Shaq, Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5uZJq7HXDs
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Wayne Gretzky, known as “the Great One”, is considered the greatest hockey player ever. Thanks to TNT for coordinating this video message for my students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGdlup01r6Q
Jesper Wallstedt, the starting goaltender for the Minnesota Wild, has quickly established himself as a steady and reliable presence in net. He is widely regarded as one of the NHL’s most promising young goaltenders and a key part of Minnesota’s future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJy0sAzUizU
UFC
Ronda Rousey is a former UFC champion and Olympic medalist in judo who became one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports. She was the first UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and helped bring women’s MMA into the mainstream. Rousey later transitioned into professional wrestling with WWE, where she also achieved championship success.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypGoeVNlHow
FORMULA ONE
Max Verstappen is a Dutch Formula 1 driver and multiple-time World Champion, racing for Red Bull Racing. Known for his aggressive driving style, consistency, and racecraft, he has become one of the dominant forces in modern Formula 1. Verstappen has broken numerous records and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s top drivers.
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1097076391
Lando Norris is a British Formula 1 driver for McLaren and one of the sport’s most popular young talents. Known for his speed, consistency, and strong qualifying performances, he has become a key figure in McLaren’s resurgence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiC6B3sUtUQ
GYMNASTICS
Simone Biles is an American gymnast widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. This “flippin” fun video she created for my students is a great way to showcase her talent, personality, and incredible achievements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAAiuccrLPk
SWIMMING
Katie Ledecky is one of the most decorated swimmers in history and a dominant force in distance freestyle events. She is a multiple-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion, known for her endurance, consistency, and record-breaking performances. Ledecky has set numerous world records and continues to be a leading figure in international swimming.
https://youtube.com/shorts/pnVGLkr_EO4?feature=shared
COMEDY
Nate Bargatze is an American stand-up comedian known for his clean, relatable humor and laid-back storytelling style. He has become one of the most popular touring comedians in the United States, with multiple hit specials on Netflix and other platforms. Bargatze’s comedy often focuses on everyday life, family, and awkward real-world situations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd6gaE0-Ll4
TELEVISION
Brad Ableson (co-director) of Minions” “Rise of Gru” made this great video message using my classroom expectations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxkY1nud_6I
Carson Daly is an American television host, producer, and radio personality best known for hosting NBC’s The Voice and the late-night show Last Call with Carson Daly. He first gained national attention as a VJ on MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL). Daly has since built a long career in broadcast media, covering entertainment, music, and news.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qZQcvr1NV8
Andrew Zimmern is a Minnesota native and an award-winning chef, television personality, and food writer. He is best known for hosting Bizarre Foods, where he explores unique cuisines and food cultures from around the world. Zimmern has also been a strong advocate for food sustainability and hunger relief initiatives
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mG3IJ-YT8Y
ENTERTAINMENT/BUSINESS
The beloved GEICO Gecko® loves to tell people how GEICO could help them save on insurance. The animated GECKO even applied his popular catch phrase of “saving 15%” into this fun video message.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olXVZSVrA0c
David Barnett (CEO/Inventor-PopSockets) has been a great supporter of my special needs program for several years by being a virtual guest speaker in my classroom. Here is a video coordinated by his team.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkV0C9yAUZE
North Dakota native and actor Josh Duhamel has been a great supporter of my special needs program, in large part due to his friendship with my cousin, Scott. Josh filmed a movie titled Buddy Games, in which my cousin and a group of friends even made a brief cameo appearance. Thanks to Viewpoint PR for coordinating this message
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCsfAs0s5QA
The movie Rudy is based on the real-life story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger and his determination to achieve his dream of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. Throughout his life, Rudy was told he wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or big enough, but he never let those doubts stop him from pursuing his goal. His story is a powerful example of perseverance, passion, and resilience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx19tIwZRH4
AWARDS/HONORS
KS95 Teacher of the Week, (March 2026)
Anoka Hennepin Above and Beyond Nominee, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 (program since discontinued)
Minnesota Teacher of the Year Nominee 2024
Minnesota Teacher of the Year Nominee 2022
Minnesota Teacher of the Year Semifinalist, 2021
PACER Unity Award (Kindness Coordinator-Kindness Matters Campaign), 2017
Minnesota Promising Practice Award (Kindness Coordinator-Kindness Matters Campaign), 2017
Chief Justice John Robers Lectury Series (2017, University of Minnesota-VIP Guest-Kindness Matters Campain)
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