Galardonados

John “Jack” Streed was a beloved Minnetonka High School English teacher. During his many years at Minnetonka he has inspired countless students through his dedicated teaching and his ability to light up a room. Streed is being honored as part of the Faculty Hall of Fame for the effect he had on the Minnetonka School community.

Streed’s daughter, Ellyn Bullock, remembers him as “a very good and faithful person. He valued honesty and faithfulness and decency at school and at home.” She also remembers him as talkative, humorous and deeply devoted to his career. But Streed didn't always know he wanted to teach. 

“After he got out of the Marines, he went to school on the G.I. Bill and asked a guidance counselor about careers,” Bullock said. “The guidance counselor gave him some kind of a test that told him he should make women’s hats. He did not want to become a hat maker, or milliner, so he steered himself into teaching.”

His love of reading inspired him to pursue teaching, while his favorite texts strengthened his faith and led him toward teaching biblical literature.

Over the years, many of Streed’s former students approached Bullock to express their appreciation, describing him as “a source of inspiration and a mentor.” One classroom tradition they remembered was his “words of the week.” Streed posted a new quote each week, sometimes writing one himself. The quote Bullock remembers best is, “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Streed created a supportive, comfortable and lively classroom, often joking and playing pranks with his students. Bullock said he also approached his work with deep respect and commitment.

“John Streed was a really faithful teacher. He never scoffed at his job or complained about it outside of work. He took his job seriously and he performed it well,” Bullock said.

Even after retirement, Streed would light up when his grandchildren talked about their English classes, and his love of teaching—especially Shakespeare—remained part of his everyday life. That enduring enthusiasm reflected the care he brought to both his family and generations of students. “Dad valued goodness in all forms and all people," concluded Bullock.