Minneapolis School District Hires 'Esports' Teacher

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis Public School District announced Tuesday it has hired a teacher who specializes "esports," or competitive video game play.

Jacquie Lamm's official title is STEM/Esports TOSA (teacher on special assignment).

STEM stands for "Science, Technology, Engineering, Math."

Lamm will be working to create more esports clubs in Minneapolis schools and to connect esports to the district's science curriculum.

The position will be housed under the district's "Core Academics" department. Lamm will work in partnership with the rest of the science team, including Chas Thomsen and Kristin Caquelin.

"I am excited to see that the MPS district is recognizing the value of esports for our students, as well as the additional learning opportunities it can provide when combined with science and STEM education," Lamm said in a statement.

"The district recognizing esports means that it is promoting inclusion and diversity,” said Kay Wong, special education teacher and North High School esports coach. “As a special education teacher, I strive to find unique abilities in my students and ways to connect to the community for every student. Esports is one of the fastest growing activities among young people around the world, and we are proud to recognize participants as legitimate student athletes."

It's not clear how much the position pays. Patch has reached out to Minneapolis Public Schools for