MANKATO-October 8, 2012-(KMKO)-East High School teacher Sue Pickus has been named the Mankato Teacher Association's teacher of the year.  Pickus Pickus has taught for 33 years, 18 at Mankato Area Public Schools. She teaches ninth grade physics and elective ecology.  She is now in the running for Minnesota Teacher of the Year.  The winner of that contest will be announced in May.