Read our 2026 ‘hood Educator of the Year Nominations! Educator and Childcare Provider of the Year are sponsored by The Bancorp, Sanford fit, and Vanessa Jo Photography.
Erika Dewitt, Abiding Savior Academy
Mrs. Erika, is truly deserving of being a recognized educator. She is kind, patient, and consistently ties everything she teaches back to truth and God. My son—who is not one who typically enjoys learning or school—absolutely loves Mrs. Erika. He is happy to see her each day and is excited to share his successes with her, no matter how big or small. I truly believe that a teacher who can motivate a student to be their best, do their best, and strive to be better is all we can ask for in an educator. Mrs. Erika does exactly that, and the impact she has had on my child is something I am incredibly grateful for.
Jessica Rasmussen, Brandon Elementary
I am writing you today, with great honor, to nominate Jessie Rasmussen for the Educator of the Year award. I believe that Jessie is a prime candidate for this award because of her excellence and passion as an educator. My daughter is a former student of Mrs. Rasmussen. Throughout her school year in Jessie’s Kindergarten classroom, I watched my daughter’s desire to learn, enthusiasm for school, and spirit as a student blossom and set her up for the success she continues to have at school! There are numerous characteristics Jessie possesses that would make her worthy of such an award. She is involved with different church and community activities. She is continuously researching and seeking out new ideas for her classroom and students. She reaches out to agencies inquiring about different activities such as guest speakers, special events, and field trips available to our students. Overall, it is evident that Jessie is passionate about teaching, a caring and giving person, and invested in her students’ success. I am so privileged to know Jessie as a teacher, colleague, mother, and a dear friend! It gives me great pleasure to nominate Jessie Rasmussen for the Educator of the Year award! Thank you for your consideration!
Leah Williamson, Fred Assam Elementary
She had gone above and beyond to help our daughter in class. She works closely with us to make sure our daughter can succeed. Mrs. Williamson has even made a personal book for our daughter to help remind her of day to day expectations. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher for our daughter.
Jill Nuebel, Fred Assam Elementary School
We have had the privilege of having Mrs. Nuebel as both of our children’s kindergarten teacher. I can’t think of a better person to welcome children into the school setting for the first time. These little hearts and minds are always welcomed into a safe environment, where learning takes place in a fun, hands on classroom and kids feel valued and seen as little world changers! Our son recently said, when asked if he was excited to go back to school after a long break “Yes! I love going every day, mom!” This wouldn’t be the case if it weren’t for Mrs. Nuebel and the classroom she has created. She goes above and beyond with creating fun learning experiences. From Glow Day to Spy Day for the 100th Day of School, each lesson has made an impact for both of our children. We are so thankful for Mrs. Nuebel and what she has done for our kids and for our family. She is a treasured teacher to our family!
Tiffany Plummer, Freedom Elementary School
I am honored to nominate Tiffany Plummer for Elementary Educator of the Year. Tiffany is my twin boys Junior Kindergarten teacher. They were born at 26 weeks and were not fully ready for kindergarten this year. Tiffany meets them and all of her students where they are. She shows incredible patience, understanding, and skill. She makes learning fun and engaging. Her classroom is decorated for holidays and seasons. The lessons and games correlate with the themes. These include gingerbread house building during holiday parties and seasonal activities. Tiffany creates a classroom where children are excited to learn. One of my sons has hearing loss, and Tiffany consistently wears an FM speaker during class to ensure he can fully participate. She is extremely responsive. Over the break she sends home flashcards, learning games, and ideas for parents to continue learning at home. She is invested in each child’s success. Tiffany goes above and beyond to make her students feel special. She hosts hot chocolate days, root beer floats, and even a full Thanksgiving feast. She also has Star Student Week. Parents write a letter about their child, make a video, or visit the classroom to share about their family. Students bring their favorite book and a special item for show-and-tell. Her classroom is set up with learning stations and toys that support learning, exploration, and social development. My boys have learned so much academically and emotionally in her class. They are excited to go to school each day with Mrs. Plummer as their teacher. Tiffany Plummer is an exceptional educator who truly understands young learners and pours her heart into her students. She makes a lasting impact on children and families, and she is deserving of the Elementary Educator of the Year award.
Chase Hirt, Harrisburg-Freedom Elementary
I would like to nominate Mr. Hirt for ’hood’s Educator of the Year because he has made an incredible impact on my daughter’s first year of school and on our entire family. From day one, Mr. Hirt has created a classroom environment where students feel welcomed, safe, and genuinely excited to begin their educational journey. He has a special way of making learning fun and engaging, which has helped my daughter build confidence and a true love for school. Mr. Hirt consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of a teacher. He does an amazing job staying in touch with families, sending reminders, sharing updates, and making himself available—even on weekends. That level of dedication shows how deeply he cares about his students and their success. We feel so lucky to have him as our kindergarten teacher, and I truly believe he deserves to be recognized for the passion, commitment, and heart he brings to teaching every single day. Kinder garget
Kimberly Dobson, John F Kennedy Elementary
We have a Kindergartener this year that struggles a ton with transitions and changes in routine. She was expressing some huge behaviors at the beginning of the school year as she learned what to expect and grasped acceptable forms of communication and learned to be safe. Mrs. Dobson stuck by us and helped us navigate her behaviors while providing clear and consistent expectations and boundaries to help our daughter become successful. She is exceptionally patient, extremely forgiving, and sees the good even on the hard days. Her patience with our child has allowed our child to blossom and continue to love learning while also learning social and emotional skills. We couldn’t be more thankful for Mrs. Dobson and the support she pours into every single day for her students. Kindergarten
Krysandra Young, RF Pettigrew
I am nominating Krysandra because she goes above and beyond to help her students and co-workers. She has excellent communication with her student’s family and works very hard to help each and everyone of her students. Krysandra is an excellent team player and will go over the top to help her co-workers out when they are struggling with a problem. If I have a technology question she will spend a lot of her own time helping her co-workers out. She is a great sounding board and offers wonderful advice on how to help struggling students
Robyn Costello, John Harris
I’m nominating Robyn because she has that dedicated love for her job and children. I was lucky enough to work with her and now volunteer in her classroom. The patience she demonstrates with her students is modeled by her students. Not only is she caring but she has the wisdom and knowledge of what her students need. Robyn spends countless hours preparing her lessons for students. I’m always amazed at her foreshadowing and the depth of her love for learning and teaching. She impacted me when I was teaching through her positive attitude and cheerful smile. Mrs Costello has influenced hundreds of children, parents and staff.
Tara Hansen-Leinen, Harvey Dunn Elementary
I am honored to nominate my son’s Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hansen-Leinen, for Teacher of the Year. She is an extraordinary educator who consistently goes above and beyond for every child in her classroom, meeting each student exactly where they are and ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, and deeply cared for. As parents, we were incredibly anxious about sending our son to kindergarten for the first time, especially due to his severe allergies and the fact that this was his first experience being away from us. Before we had even met Mrs. HL, she reached out proactively with thoughtful communication, detailed information, and scheduled a meeting to carefully go over our concerns and safety plans. From day one, she made it clear that our son’s well-being was a top priority. Throughout the year, she has remained in consistent communication, ensuring that our son is not only safe but fully included in every aspect of the classroom experience. She approaches this responsibility with professionalism, compassion, and grace- never once making us feel like an inconvenience. What makes her truly remarkable is that this same level of care and dedication is extended to every single child in her class. I have been fortunate enough to witness this firsthand while volunteering in the classroom once a week. Even in that small glimpse, it is clear how intentional and impactful she is. She continuously builds her students up by celebrating good listening, encouraging positive behavior, and offering support and reassurance when children are struggling. She creates an environment where kids feel confident, motivated, and safe to be themselves. Her classroom is a place filled with warmth, encouragement, and genuine connection. She does not only teach academics; she nurtures hearts, builds confidence, and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and ability to make every child feel seen and supported exemplify the very best of the teaching profession and make her exceptionally deserving of this award.
Irma Landry, Sonia Sotomayor
I am honored to nominate Irma for Educator of the Year. As the parent of Landrick, a kindergarten student in her class, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact she has had not only on my child, but on our entire family. Landrick is a bright and curious child who can also be very stubborn and hesitant to participate, especially in new environments. At the beginning of the school year, he often struggled to engage with classmates and classroom activities. Through consistent kindness, patience, and gentle persistence, Irma has helped bring him out of his shell. While he still has moments of hesitation, she has never given up on him — instead, she meets him where he is and encourages him forward with grace. Under Irma’s guidance, Landrick’s love for numbers and math has truly flourished. She has also helped him expand his horizons by trying new things, participating more fully in class, and forming new friendships. These may seem like small victories, but for our child, they represent tremendous growth. Her encouragement and belief in him have made a lasting difference. This school year marked our family’s first experience at a “real” school, and Irma has made it nothing short of wonderful. Her communication is thoughtful and thorough — whether through emails, texts, or personal conversations during pick-up and drop-off. Because of her care and consistency, Landrick is genuinely excited to go to school each day and comes home eager to share what he and his classmates have been learning. Irma works incredibly hard to support every child in her classroom. Her patience is especially inspiring as she teaches young students in a Spanish immersion program, helping them navigate not just academic concepts but an entirely new language. She brings creativity, dedication, and compassion into every lesson, ensuring that each child feels seen, supported, and capable. Irma is more than an excellent teacher — she is a steady, encouraging presence who shapes confident learners and caring classmates. We are deeply grateful for the role she has played in our child’s growth, and I can think of no one more deserving of recognition as Educator of the Year.
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Sra. Landry was my son’s teacher last year. I would have nominated her sooner but we were in the thick of it with his medical needs last year. She is an extraordinary teacher. I have a son with special needs and a rare medical condition. Sra. Landry was not intimidated at all, and welcomed my son for who he was. She was so incredible in communicating with us and adapting to his many needs. She has become someone special to our whole family now and I don’t know anymore more deserving of this honor.
Vanessa Graning, Sonia Sotomayor
I am honored to nominate Vanessa Graning for Educator of the Year. As the parent of Aceston, a kindergarten student in her class, I have had the privilege of seeing just how meaningful her presence has been in our son’s school experience. Vanessa and Aceston are truly the best pair. Her enthusiasm for teaching is contagious, and she brings learning to life in her classroom through engaging, creative activities that make school exciting for all 27 students. This year, Aceston’s love for math has blossomed, and it’s clear that Vanessa’s ability to make learning fun and accessible has played a major role in that growth. At the beginning of the school year, Aceston struggled with confidence and felt overwhelmed transitioning into kindergarten at a new school, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Vanessa met those challenges with compassion, patience, and genuine care. She took the time to reach out to us, worked closely with Aceston, and supported him through his struggles with motivation by providing encouragement and extra check-ins. Her thoughtful, proactive approach made us feel supported as parents and reassured that our child was truly seen. While we continue to work together as a team to support Aceston, he has already made tremendous strides this school year. His confidence is growing, and he now loves coming home to share stories about his day and what he has learned in the classroom. That joy and pride speak volumes about the environment Vanessa has created. Beyond academics, Vanessa reinforces what truly matters in life. She consistently emphasizes kindness, empathy, responsibility, teamwork, and confidence, helping her students grow not only as learners but as people. She models these values daily, creating a classroom culture where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be their best selves. Vanessa’s energy, compassion, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our son’s kindergarten experience. We are incredibly grateful for the role she has played in Aceston’s growth, and I can think of no one more deserving of recognition as Educator of the Year.
Maria Toscano, Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School
From the very first day of school, Señora Toscano demonstrates an extraordinary ability to support and engage young learners and their families in one of the most challenging educational environments: Spanish immersion kindergarten. For many children—including my son—this is not only their first school experience but also their first encounter with a language they do not yet understand. Despite these unique challenges, she creates a classroom where every child feels safe, welcomed, and genuinely excited to learn. She combines warmth with structure, understanding that five-year-olds are simultaneously navigating new school routines and full Spanish immersion—a transition that requires exceptional patience, skill, and intentionality. What makes Señora Toscano truly remarkable is her deep understanding of how young children acquire a new language. She never relies on translation. Instead, she immerses students completely through gestures, predictable routines, songs, visuals, and interactive activities. This approach not only accelerates comprehension and vocabulary growth but also nurtures confidence, independence, and curiosity. She celebrates small victories and consistently models perseverance—qualities that empower children to keep trying even when learning feels difficult. Equally important is her intentional differentiation. In a kindergarten immersion classroom, learners vary widely—some are anxious, some energetic, some shy, some academically advanced. Señora Toscano adapts her strategies to meet each child where they are. She guides them through frustration, encourages risk-taking, and provides gentle redirection when needed. The result is a classroom that feels both calm and joyful, a reflection of her ability to balance clear expectations with deep compassion. She also extends this support to families, recognizing that placing an English-speaking child in a Spanish-only environment can feel overwhelming for parents. With clarity, patience, and empathy, she communicates frequently and transparently, helping families understand the learning process and feel included every step of the way.
Rachel Haag, West Central Hartford Elementary School
We are nominating this educator because of the passion and joy she brings to her classroom every single day. The energy, creativity, and dedication have created an unforgettable learning environment for our daughter. Eloise gets in the car after school each day and immediately starts ranting and raving about the singing, dancing, and hands-on learning activities that Mrs. Haag did that day. Her enthusiasm is contagious and we see first-hand how it keeps our kindergartener excited, motivated, and eager to learn and participate each day. As much fun as we hear about every day, I have had the chance to pop into her classroom randomly and witness her ability to keep a classroom of five and six year old students fully engaged and working independently. These kindergarteners are rotating through stations, completing jobs, focused and confident in their work while Mrs. Haag is evaluating progress or working with a small group. This level of structure, independence, and engagement at such a young age is remarkable. Our daughter speaks so highly of what she does throughout the day in Mrs. Haag’s classroom that the only words that come to mind when trying to describe it are joyful and purposeful. Mrs. Haag is doing an amazing job fostering a love for learning and making a lasting impact on her students. Not only does Mrs. Haag make it memorable for our daughter, when I speak to Mrs. Haag, I know she’s making a strong personal connection with Eloise. She often brings up details from our daughter’s life, which shows she takes the time to have real conversations with her and truly cares about her as an individual. In a classroom full of other students with diverse needs, our daughter feels seen, valued, and safe at school. We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact she has had on our daughter and our family. We feel so fortunate that our daughter was able to have an educator who leads with such passion, creativity, and care. Mrs. Haag deserves to be acknowledged for the love, attention, and enthusiasm she brings to her classroom every day. She is making lasting differences in our daughter’s life, and we couldn’t be more thankful. Kindergarten
Jennifer Klinkel, West Central
Mrs. Klinkel is a teacher who goes above and beyond for all of her students. She makes sure we as a parents know everything about what’s going on and communicates well. Which is hard to find nowadays. She makes the students feel good about themselves. We appreciate everything Mrs. Klinkel does. The position she is in fits her well as a special ed teacher and she deserves recognition. 3rd
Heidi Meier, Inspiration Elementary – Brandon
We are nominating Mrs. Meier because she consistently shows up for her students with kindness, patience, and genuine care. From my child’s perspective, she is always there when you need her, takes the time to help when you’re stuck—especially during reading—and makes learning feel supportive rather than stressful. My child often says she is an amazing teacher, and that enthusiasm speaks volumes. As a parent, I see that same dedication through her strong communication and compassion. She keeps me informed about how my child is doing academically and emotionally, and she does so in a kind, respectful way. She goes the extra mile to understand my child’s learning style and thoughtfully shares ways we can support learning at home. It’s clear she truly knows her students as individuals. She is attentive to her students’ needs, patient in her teaching, and deeply committed to their success. Her compassion, professionalism, and willingness to partner with families make her an exceptional educator. 1st grade, Mrs. Meier
Jessica Bauer, Journey Elementary
I would love to nominate Mrs. Bauer for Hood Magazine’s Educator of the Year. She has been teaching for over 15 years, and her experience truly shows in the classroom. She is patient, kind, and deeply invested in every student she teaches — and it’s clear that her students absolutely adore her. My daughter Josie had a challenging experience in kindergarten, and we were nervous about how first grade might go. Thanks to Mrs. Bauer, this year has been a completely different experience. Josie is now confident, excited about learning, and growing academically and emotionally in ways that amaze us. She feels safe, encouraged, and supported every single day. Mrs. Bauer creates a classroom environment where children feel valued, capable, and inspired to do their best. Her steady encouragement and genuine care have made a lasting impact on our daughter and our family. We are incredibly grateful for the positive foundation she is building for her students, and we believe she represents the very best of what an elementary educator should be.
Theresa Fischer, Journey Elementary – Harrisburg
Mrs. Fischer is an exceptional teacher. She is the kind of teacher you hope your child gets each year. She is so loving, kind, and absolutely fantastic with the students. What makes her so exceptional is her willingness to meet each child where they are at, not just in learning, but for who they are as a person. She doesn’t have a pre-conceived idea of how each student should be. Instead, she allows them to let their individual personality shine through. For instance, my son and his friends have lots of energy and love all things sports. Mrs. Fischer embraces this energy and allows them to be the sports loving kids they are. She even encourages it by talking about football with them, recapping games when their favorite teams face off, and making sports references while teaching. This connection allows her to directly engage with students to help them want to learn and be part of the classroom. By doing this she is making a real connection with them, which in turn allows them to thrive in the classroom. Simply put, Mrs. Fischer recognizes each child is unique and celebrates who they are, which makes her not just a great teacher but an exceptional teacher. I also know this isn’t just a one-off situation, she does this year after year as this is our second time being lucky enough to have her as one of children’s teachers. Mrs. Fischer loves what she does, and it shines through with each and every year she teaches. She has and will continue to have a positive impact on every child’s learning and personal growth that she teaches.
Desirae Gallagher, St. Lambert
Mrs. Gallagher pours her heart into teaching every day. She invests in every child in her class, finding out how each child learns best and what brings each child joy. One thing that really stands out to me about Mrs. Gallagher, is how she takes it upon herself to learn about sensory processing and how to best meet the needs of the students in her class, doing what she can to incorporate movement breaks and opportunities for her students with additional sensory needs, to have alternative movement options during classroom instruction. She is in tune with her students needs, and showers them with love. 2nd grade (had Mrs. Gallagher last year)
Kristina Westhoff, Tea Area Legacy Elementary
Mrs. Westhoff goes above and beyond to offer many opportunities to grow. She works hard to provide instruction that can also be able to carry out at home. She provides open communication and support. She wants the best for each of her students. 1st
Carter Larson, Brandon Elementary
Mr. Larson is an outstanding educator who builds strong, meaningful relationships with all students. He genuinely appreciates each student for who they are and creates a classroom environment where everyone feels valued and respected. His positive attitude is contagious, and he consistently makes learning engaging and fun. Because of his dedication and passion, students feel motivated, supported, and excited to learn every day.
Susan Wick, Robert Frost Elementary (2026 Award Winner)
Mrs. Susan Wick is a perfect example of a teacher that goes above and beyond for her students. This year she has been put in charge of not only teaching her usual 1st grade class, but she has been asked to teach a combined class that also includes 2nd graders. Having to teach one grade and be an exceptional teacher is one thing but to teach 2 different grades in one class, and have her students excel in everything they are learning, is just something most teachers could only hope and strive to do. As a teacher who is teaching 2 grades in one class Mrs. Wick has been constantly teaching and learning new ways to not only split her time between the two grades but also keep the other grade that she is not currently working with busy and continuously learning. The activities she has for the 2nd grade when she is teaching 1st grade is not just busy work. It is work that is teaching them to be self-sufficient, to use the resources around them, and how to respect others in a quiet setting. Something most 2nd grades may not totally understand. She is teaching them to become kind and curious humans and showing them that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to. All of the schoolwork activities she does is engaging and interesting. And teaches the kids different growth mindsets. This also allows her to have more of an individualized curriculum in each of the grades she teaches, which then allows that student to excel independently but still have the ability to ask questions of Mrs. Wick or other classmates around them. The love and compassion she has had for each and every one of her students is remarkable. You can tell the impact that she has made not only in the students she has this year but the students that she has taught in previous years. She is constantly getting love and affection from students of all ages. Which makes a parent as myself feel like my student is in the right place. By having such a compassionate classroom, she is teaching the kids how to be kind to each other and how to respect each other’s differences. And how to use those differences to make not only the classroom a better place but the school as a whole a better place. She has taught them the different rolls of the Road Runners dispositions and how they can use those strategies in everyday life. To say that Mrs. Wick is an amazing teacher is an understatement. We have had the privilege to have her as our child’s teacher for 2 years and the improvement in our student has been remarkable. He walked into her classroom scared to be in a new school because he wouldn’t know any students or teachers. He struggled with his confidence and didn’t love the idea of not being at his old school. To such a confident, caring, inquisitive child. The confidence has come mainly from Mrs. Wick with his schoolwork. He is excelling at all of his subject and is loving to learn and advancing his learning. The way she makes learning makes sense to him, encourages him to constantly push himself, beyond his current capabilities. Which is such a great growth mindset.
Nicole Martin, St. Katharine Drexel
Mrs. Martin has made a huge impact in our son’s life. She has offered him so much guidance and structure after graduating from occupational therapy that has allowed him to fall in love with school. She makes the classroom special for each of her kids, and is excellent at meeting kids where they’re at.
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Mrs. Martin truly is the whole package when it comes to a teacher. Her heart is so full for teaching and loving on our babies. She is the gentle teacher when there’s a hard day. But also so firm. She will dress up for holidays and plan all of the fun events. My daughter said she is the best teacher I have ever had mom. Mrs. Martin truly is the whole package when it comes to a teacher. Her heart is so full for teaching and loving on our babies. She is the gentle teacher when there’s a hard day. But also so firm. She will dress up for holidays and plan all of the fun events. My daughter said she is the best teacher I have ever had mom.
Jill Flint, Brandon Elementary
Mrs. Flint deserves this honor as she is constantly going above and beyond. She is a strong communicator with both students and parents. Students in her class feel seen and loved on a daily basis. In addition to ensuring her students learn the required material, she is always coming up with creative and fun ways for kids to extend their learning. Flint has taught two of my children now, and they have both excelled in the learning environment she has created. In addition to her outstanding teaching skills, she has coached one of my son’s in basketball for two years now. She is patient, kind, fun, and has developed such amazing relationships with all players. Her love and passion for her craft is second to none and I am blessed to have her as my child’s teacher.
Brent Kramer, Brandon Elementary
Mr. Kramer is an exceptional educator who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student’s needs are met, including my son’s medical needs. He creates engaging lessons that motivate students to learn at a high level while maintaining a calm, quiet, and respectful presence in the classroom. His dedication, compassion, and ability to inspire students make him truly deserving of recognition. 3rd grade
Michelle Kieffer, Fred Assam Elementary
Mrs. Kieffer is Ellie’s 3rd grade teacher. Ellie came into 3rd grade with very little confidence in math and reading. We had reached out to her school the previous year to get help for her to improve her confidence and willingness to go to school. We were unable to achieve this. When Ellie started 3rd grade we knew it was going to be a tough year so we let Mrs. Kieffer know the struggles Ellie had had the previous year. Mrs. Kieffer was instrumental in taking the time to get Ellie the help she needed to help her be successful in 3rd grade. Now that we are halfway through 3rd grade Ellie willingly goes to school every day. She loves doing her reading and math facts. She comes home and tells us how proud she is of the things she is accomplishing during school. I give a lot of this credit to Mrs. Kieffer and without her help I think this year could have been very different.
Chelsea VanLeur, Fred Assam Elementary School
Our daughter has absolutely loved this year in 3rd grade and it’s all because of her amazing teacher, Mrs. Vanleur. Our daughter has repeatedly told us that her teacher is kind, she makes learning fun, and loves her students like her own kids! We have seen tremendous growth in our daughter this past year not just academically but confidence wise and Mrs. VanLeur has played a huge part in this this year. We are so thankful for Mrs. VanLeur and the teacher that she is! 3rd grade
Christina Berger, Liberty Elementary
There are so many reasons that Mrs. Berger deserves this award! Her dedication and passion for her students is unwavering. Mrs. Berger has a special gift for connecting with each student in her classroom, celebrating their strengths, and helping them work through challenges with patience and genuine care goes above and beyond to make sure every child feels seen, supported, and excited to learn. One of the many examples of her heart for her students is when she brought a pet dragon into her classroom simply because she knew how much her kids would love it. That small but meaningful gesture perfectly reflects who she is as a teacher—someone who is always thinking about how to bring joy, wonder, and engagement into learning. Moments like these are what make her classroom such a memorable and magical place for her students. In addition to being an exceptional teacher, Mrs. Berger is a tremendous asset to our school through her involvement with the PTO. She consistently volunteers her time, supports school events, and works collaboratively to strengthen the connection between families and staff. Her willingness to step in wherever needed shows how deeply she cares about our entire school community. Mrs. Berger truly embodies what it means to be an outstanding educator. Her heart for students, dedication to excellence, and positive influence on Liberty Elementary make her incredibly deserving of Teacher of the Year.
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Mrs. Berger is the kind of teacher every child deserves. She goes above and beyond in everything she does, treating her students as if they were her own. She makes sure each child knows how incredible they are and reminds them of their worth every single day. Her energy fills the school—she’s involved in so many activities, always showing up with enthusiasm and heart. Every day in her classroom is an adventure, full of excitement, learning, and moments kids carry with them long after they leave her room. Students remember her lessons years later, not just because she teaches well, but because she teaches with love, passion, and genuine care. Mrs. Berger changes lives, and it shows in every child who has been lucky enough to learn from her.
Danylle Rozier, Robert Bennis Elementary
Miss Rozier was our daughter Gwen’s teacher last year and though all the educators and staff we’ve come across at RBE so far in our 11 years of kids going to school, Miss Rozier is pretty amazing 🙂 Gwen has always struggled with not wanting to go to school, once she gets to school she’s fine according to all the school staff, just that initial separation anxiety we’ve been working on from a different angle this year. Third grade has been the roughest so far, and Miss Rozier was so helpful with amazing hugs and encouragement and fun little things to help Gwen transition into the school day. She also supports her students outside of the classroom and attended extracurricular events during the summer too. She always has a smile and a hug if needed/wanted and though Gwen is in fourth grade this year, still talks about when she sees Miss Rozier in the hallway or before school 🙂 4th
Whitney Weber, Tea Area Legacy Elementary:
Mars Weber goes above and beyond to offer many opportunities for fun, engaging areas to help growth. She has awesome open communication and wants what is best for each child individually.
Lizzy Magnuson, Terry Redlin Elementary:
I am pleased to nominate Elizabeth (Lizzy) Magnuson for the 2026 Educator of the Year for The Hood Magazine. Lizzy has been a teacher in the RISE program at Terry Redlin Elementary for 14 years now where she teaches, supports, and actively advocates for students with special needs. Lizzy is phenomenal at what she does. Her best quality in teaching is encouraging her students to always do more. She is continuously thinking of ideas to make communication easier for her students, whether it be encouraging them to use their electronic communication device, making visuals for them to be able to communicate more easily, or challenging them to expand their current abilities. This ultimately makes not only their classroom learning easier, but also teaches them to always try harder and never stop improving their skills. Lizzy’s students are of the autistic population, so life can already be challenging for them, but she looks at these challenges different than most and is always looking for innovative ways to teach her students new skills and challenges them to dig deeper. Her students are learning division this week in Math class, which is not easy for this population of students. She doesn’t look at it that way. Lizzy uses songs, various props and learning tools, and most importantly always encourages and shows her students that they can do anything! I am blessed to be one of the support staff in Lizzy’s classroom and be a part of her making a difference in so many students’ lives! Lizzy truly cares for her students at it shows each day in her room.
Julie Samp, Abiding Savior Academy
Mrs. Samp is a teacher that goes above and beyond to ensure that all of her students are noticed and love learning. She makes learning come to life through field trips, hands on learning, and building students’ confidence. My son comes home from school with an excitement for learning that we have never seen from him. He can’t wait to go back to school and feels so much joy from Mrs. Samp. He loves archaeology and Mrs. Samp took his class to an archaeology dig site. This sparked so much curiously and wonder. Some of the other impactful things that Mrs. Samp has done for the class is making real pencils from charcoal, attending a naturalization ceremony, writing letters to South Dakota companies for students to learn more about South Dakota, and the list goes on. One could compare her to a real life Ms. Frizzle. Mrs. Samp is a true blessing to our family!
Brooke Duncan, Challenge Center
Miss. Duncan is an incredible teacher at the Challenge Center. She has shown such kindness to the 5th grade students this year. To be able to teach a full classroom of gifted students is a challenge in itself. But to do it with such a kind and caring heart is unbelievable. I have personally helped out in the classroom and seen first-hand how well she has kept her kids on task and organized but in a fun way that they do not always feel as if they are learning. Each student in the class has such a way of seeing the world and some of the questions they ask are so inquisitive and to be able to answer those questions and explain it in a way that makes sense to them is remarkable. She is teaching them to become kind and curious humans and showing them how differences in each other makes them a stronger unit. She is constantly pushing them to see the better in themselves and that mistakes are ok as long as we are learning from them. Having a student that is gifted but struggles with perfection he tends to be very hard on himself. She has shown him how to learn from each mistake he has made and because she takes that time to help explain things to him it sticks with him. She is a wonderful role model for the students. She is not only a teacher but someone they can go to with any questions. Miss Duncan makes learning so much fun for them.
Chelsea Leslie, Venture Elementary
Mrs. Chelsea Leslie is truly deserving of Educator of the Year. As my daughter’s 4th grade teacher, she consistently goes above and beyond for each and every one of her students. After volunteering in her classroom, I’ve seen firsthand the positive environment she creates. Her students genuinely love being there each day.Mrs. Leslie has thoughtful systems in place that make learning organized and fun, yet she remains flexible and attentive to each child’s individual needs. She understands that every student learns differently and adapts in ways that help them feel confident and supported.My daughter recently mentioned how fast this school year is going because she loves her class and teacher so much—it hasn’t felt long at all. She also does an incredible job communicating with parents, sending reminders for special days so we can stay organized and informed. When our daughter was very sick and missed most of December, Mrs. Leslie checked in regularly and made sure she felt included and supported. Mrs. Leslie teaches for all the right reasons. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to her students make her truly exceptional.
Jennifer Sandman, Harrisburg Adventure
Mrs. Sandman It is with genuine gratitude and admiration that we nominate Mrs. Sandman for Teacher of the Year. She has not only brought back the spark and joy of learning for her students but has also reignited excitement within our home about education and growth. Our son comes home every day talking about what he’s learned and how much fun he’s having in class. Mrs. Sandman has a special way of inspiring her students to challenge themselves while making learning feel rewarding and achievable. She recognizes each child’s individual strengths and helps them see their potential. One moment that truly stood out for our family was when Mrs. Sandman took the time to personally call us—not with a concern, but to share something wonderful about our son’s progress. That simple act of reaching out showed us how deeply she cares about her students and their families. It meant so much to know that she celebrates their victories as much as she supports their struggles. Mrs. Sandman also sets realistic, meaningful goals for her students and ensures parents are part of the journey. Her weekly updates keep us informed and engaged, allowing us to reinforce learning at home and stay connected to the classroom community. In every way, Mrs. Sandman embodies what it means to be an exceptional educator—dedicated, compassionate, and inspiring. She makes her students believe in themselves and reminds us all of the incredible impact a teacher can have. We wholeheartedly thank and commend Mrs. Sandman for her outstanding dedication and the joy she brings to education every single day.
Deeann Henjum, Harrisburg-Freedom Elementary
I would like to nominate Mrs. Henjum for ’hood’s Educator of the Year because she has had an incredible impact on my daughter during such an important and formative year of school. Mrs. Henjum has a special ability to challenge her students to reach higher, work harder, and believe in themselves—all while keeping learning engaging, positive, and fun. She creates a classroom environment where students are encouraged to push beyond what they think they’re capable of, but always in a way that feels supportive and motivating rather than overwhelming. My daughter has grown so much this year, not just academically, but in confidence and responsibility, and that is a direct reflection of Mrs. Henjum’s teaching style and dedication. We are so grateful for the impact she has made, and I truly believe she deserves to be recognized for the passion, care, and high standards she brings to her classroom every single day.
Tory Johnson, Tea Legacy Elementary
Mrs. Johnson is the kind of educator who makes a lasting impact not only on her students, but on their families as well. As my son’s 5th grade teacher, she embodies kindness, joy, and patience in everything she does. From the very first day, it was clear that she truly sees each child as an individual and meets them where they are. My son wears a hearing aid, and Mrs. Johnson goes above and beyond every single day to ensure he feels supported, understood, and included. Her patience, awareness, and genuine care have made an incredible difference in his confidence and learning experience. Knowing he is in a classroom where his needs are met with compassion gives us such peace as parents. Mrs. Johnson creates a positive, fun, and welcoming environment where students are encouraged to be themselves. She allows them to work in different areas of the classroom, fostering independence, creativity, and comfort. Learning in her classroom is never one-size-fits-all, it’s engaging, thoughtful, and student-centered. She also finds creative ways to make learning exciting through hands-on art projects, scavenger hunts, and interactive activities that allow students not only to learn, but to truly enjoy the process along the way. In addition to everything she does in the classroom, Mrs. Johnson communicates exceptionally well with parents through the Classroom Dojo platform. Despite her busy days, she consistently takes the time to share updates and photos that truly showcase the students and the work they are doing. This extra effort gives parents a window into the classroom and creates meaningful opportunities for connection at home. Instead of the typical end-of-day question of “How was your day?” or “What did you learn about today at school?” etc. which is often hard for children to recall after many hours, we are able to talk specifically about what our kiddos worked on, learned, or created that day. That connection is incredibly special and something Mrs. Johnson clearly goes out of her way to provide for families. We absolutely love that and appreciate it! As part of the Sioux Empire community, Mrs. Johnson is exactly the type of educator who deserves to be recognized. She is compassionate, inspiring, and deeply committed to shaping young minds in a meaningful way. We are incredibly grateful for the impact she has had on our son and so many others in his 5th grade class, and we cannot think of anyone more deserving of being honored in the Educator of the Year!
Natasha Floyd, Cleveland Elementary
Ms. Tasha has taught 2 of my children. She teaches at a title school in early childhood. She works with my children who have never been in a school type environment before. Some children come from difficult homes, many in poverty. Tasha takes her time to show each child in her classroom that rhey are loved and cared for. She is patient and nurturing. She also makes sure to send out communication weekly about what the children are working on and what has gone good each week. She takes time to learn the interests of each child and uses those interests to help them learn. She is absolutely amazing and makes the children want to come to school and learn. Pre kindergarten
