Abbey Payeur for Anoka-Hennepin School Board.
HONEST. FOCUSED. EXPERIENCED.
Abbey Payeur is a lifelong educator, parent, and advocate for strong, student-centered schools. She’s running for the Anoka-Hennepin School Board to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education, every teacher has the tools to succeed, and every decision puts students first. Her voting area of the district is #4, which includes northern Andover, Ham Lake, Nowthen, Oak Grove and northeastern Ramsey.
Meet Dr. Abbey.
Abbey Payeur is an educator, a parent, and a dedicated advocate for strong, student-centered schools. With deep roots in Anoka-Hennepin, Abbey brings a unique combination of expertise and firsthand experience to the school board. She has spent years in the classroom, trained future teachers, and worked on groundbreaking literacy research—all while raising three children in the district.
With a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, Abbey’s deep knowledge of education makes her uniquely qualified to shape policies that benefit all students. She is committed to ensuring every child receives a high-quality education focused on what truly matters: student success. Her leadership is built on knowledge, integrity, and a passion for uniting our community to support our schools.
She brings both professional expertise and a personal stake in every decision. As a teacher, researcher, and mom, she’s committed to building schools that truly work for every student.
Abbey believes in a system where every student is empowered to learn, every educator is equipped to teach, and every family feels heard.
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As a recognized expert in literacy instruction, Abbey specializes in evidence-based reading instruction and structured literacy. As Vice-Chair of The Reading League Minnesota, she helps provide high-quality professional development to teachers, ensuring they have the tools to support all learners. She is a member of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), which helps families advocate for the needs of their children with dyslexia. Abbey frequently presents to teachers, principals, school administrators, and teacher-trainers on best on the Science of Reading. Her research at the University of Minnesota focuses on neurological differences and neuroplasticity in students with dyslexia. With experience as both a classroom educator and university professor, Abbey is committed to bridging the gap between research and practice to improve literacy outcomes for all students.
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Abbey earned her Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota in 2022. She also holds a Master’s in Literacy Education from Bethel University, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Augsburg University. She spent eight years as a classroom teacher in Anoka-Hennepin. In her current role in the district as a Literacy Specialist and Interventionist, Abbey works with students of all abilities to ensure every child learns to read. Beyond the K-12 classroom, she has trained future educators as an Assistant Professor at Bethel University and will continue this work at the University of St. Thomas, focusing on the Science of Reading.
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Studying how students learn to read has been a key focus of Abbey’s work. As a researcher at the University of Minnesota, she has explored neurological differences and neuroplasticity in students with dyslexia. Her expertise in literacy research informs her approach to both teaching and teacher training, ensuring that instruction is grounded in science and best practices. She frequently presents on structured literacy and effective reading interventions, helping bridge the gap between research, policy, and classroom practice to improve outcomes for all students.
Proudly serving District #4
Abbey lives with her family in District 4 of the Anoka-Hennepin School District and is proud to be part of the community it represents. Her three children attended school within the district, giving her a firsthand perspective on both the opportunities and the challenges local families experience. This isn’t just where Abbey lives—it’s where her family shops, learns, plays, and grows. That connection to the district shapes her values and drives her commitment to serve with honesty, care, and accountability.
This map shows the boundaries of District 4. If your home falls within this area, you’ll be able to vote in the upcoming election. Abbey would be honored to earn your support and represent the interests of families like yours. This is her home, and she’s ready to give back to the community that raised her family.
Schools within District #4
Andover Elementary
Brookside Elementary
Rum River Elementary
McKinley Elementary
Oak View Middle School
Andover High School
Advancing literacy in schools and at home.
Abbey believes that strong literacy skills are the foundation of lifelong learning. As an educator, researcher, and literacy specialist, she has worked extensively to improve reading instruction in schools, ensuring that teachers have the best tools and training to support every student.
Her expertise extends beyond the classroom—at home, Abbey has seen firsthand how early exposure to books and language can shape a child’s development. All three of her children began reading independently at a very young age.
She understands the importance of fostering curiosity, providing access to books, and making reading an engaging part of daily life. Abbey knows that when students receive strong reading instruction, they gain the confidence and skills to succeed in any subject. Her commitment to advancing literacy is professional and personal, driven by her passion for helping all children develop a love of reading. Learn more about Abbey here.
Support Abbey’s vision for our students.
Every dollar helps us connect with voters, share Abbey’s message, and build momentum for strong, student-centered schools. Your support—no matter the amount—makes a real difference.
Get in touch.
Have a question or want to get in touch? Abbey would love to hear from you and learn what matters most to you in our schools.