Six Minneapolis district teachers will be among 135 competing for statewide teacher of the year honors in a contest sponsored by Education Minnesota.

The six teachers who accepted nominations and completed portfolios on their careers are: Amy Lynn Sinness, Lucy Craft Laney Community School at Cleveland Park; Sarah Gregg, Edison High School math teacher; Daniel Kilibarda and Joyce Lasser, Burroughs Community School; Nicole Kuhse, Mary Open School; and Stacy Moreno, Kenny special education teacher.

Minneapolis has more teachers competing for the honor than any district other than Shakopee, where there are 10 nominees. Teachers may be nominated by parents or colleagues, among others, but it's up to them whether to do the necessary paperwork to enter.

The field will be cut to semi-finalists and finalists through a review of teacher portfolios by a panel of about 25 people, including representatives of a variety of education groups, according to Doug Dooher, spokesman for Education Minnesota. The portfolios include such elements as essays, a resume and letters of recommendation.

Ten finalists will be interviewed on May 4 and the winner will be announced at a banquet the next day.