Minnesota Teacher of the Year Finalist Withdraws Amid Controversy
One of the finalists for the Teacher of the Year accolade in Minnesota has stepped down following the disclosure of explicit videos and pictures. This revelation was first reported by Alpha News.
Thomas Rosengren, who previously taught sixth grade in the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City School District, was removed from consideration after images surfaced that depicted him in bondage gear and simulating sexual activities with two other men.
Alpha News reached out to the Minnesota Department of Education, the body responsible for the Teacher of the Year award, but didn’t receive a reply initially. Shortly after, the department updated its online content to reflect Rosengren’s withdrawal.
In addition to his role in education, Rosengren has worked as a social studies and earth science teacher in the Grove City area, alongside duties as a theater director and coach.
While Rosengren may have exited the Teacher of the Year contest, he previously earned the title of Mr. Minneapolis Eagle in 2019, recognized for his leather products and notable presence in the LGBTQ+ community.
Social media still features images of Rosengren sporting his Mr. Minneapolis Eagle leather belt, which can be found on the Twin Cities Gay Scene website account.
Alpha News also shared multiple photographs from the Eagle contest showing Rosengren in BDSM outfits and engaged in provocative poses with other men.
In one particular image, he holds a sign that reads, “It’s feeding time on the farm. Tommy the cowboy is feeding the six piglets and the bull.”
Other pictures depicted him simulating sexual acts with men dressed in leather.
The news outlet also published an image from his Facebook page displaying him in a “cowboy hat, leather speedo, and bondage strap.”
Initially, District Superintendent Kip Link opted not to comment on the situation, citing the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which protects Rosengren’s privacy. However, after the Alpha News report was published, Link confirmed that Rosengren was no longer with the district.
