I was fortunate to have wonderful coaches that guided me to paths that helped me get to college and continue to play sports in college. That in turn fueled a fire in my heart to want to do the same for our youth here in Hastings – guide them, support them, challenge them, champion them.”

Ms. Heather Maier

Growing up in Cottage Grove, Heather Maier always felt school was a safe place for her. “I was fortunate to have wonderful coaches that guided me to paths that helped me get to college and continue to play sports in college,” she said. “That in turn fueled a fire in my heart to want to do the same for our youth here in Hastings – guide them, support them, challenge them, champion them.”

Students in the Hastings School District are lucky to have this support and empowerment shown to them from Ms. Maier. Her students are not only learning lifelong skills in her family and consumer science class, but she helps them build confidence and self-assurance as well. Maier not only shares these skills in the classroom, but also when she coached varsity softball at HHS from 2008-18.

Heather not only had great mentors in her own schooling experience, she also had great professional instruction through her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, her graduate degree from St. Mary’s University, and her 17 years of experience in the classroom! Her educational background, teaching experience and real-life passion for helping kids makes for a great opportunity for our community.

Speaking about the impact she has on our students, Heather believes the best thing about being a teacher is building relationships. 

“I enjoy creating a safe space where students feel like they belong,” she said.  “I love being able to help and support students navigate the challenges of growing up.”

Maier said that becoming a parent helped change her perspective and better understand where students were coming from in the classroom.  

“I show them gentle love, tough love, and hold them accountable for things,” she said. “I’m present physically and emotionally and try to be available for them when they need it.”

Before it was cancelled due to heat, Heather was planning to run the Twin Cities Marathon, which would have been her sixth. She also planned her first ultra marathon (Hixon 50) just last month. 

Running, she said, helps her focus on planning classroom time and instruction. She is grateful for her an amazing support team on her running crew. Her family loves spending time doing all sorts of sporty things together. They just love spending time outdoors, hiking and traveling when they can.  

Teachers like Heather Maier are why Hastings ranks as one of the best school districts in the state for quality of teachers. She is experienced, caring, supportive and engaged. It’s incredible teachers like her that help to keep us #200 Strong!