Former Mankato educator named Minnesotaâs next education commissioner Former Mankato educator named Minnesotaâs next education commissioner By KEYC Staff | March 9, 2021 at 10:19 PM CST - Updated March 9 at 10:23 PM ST. PAUL, Minn. (KEYC) â Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appointed a former Mankato Area Public Schools social studies teacher as the next commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education Tuesday. Heather Mueller has served as deputy commissioner since January 2020. Mueller began her career in education at Mankato Area Public Schools, where she taught social studies. During her time in Mankato, Mueller worked as a continuous improvement coach, professional development coordinator and the director of teaching and learning.