Four members named 2008 Teachers of the Year
State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster traveled the state this week (September 5, 2008) to personally announce and present State Teacher of the Year awards to four educators. All four are WEAC members. They are:
- Sandra
Kowalczyk of Patrick Marsh Middle School in Sun Prairie, the Wisconsin Middle/Junior High School
Teacher of the Year.
Kowalczyk, who lives in Marshall, teaches reading to 6th- through 8th-graders. Her high
standards and out-of-class events have helped struggling readers improve their skills, while her inclusion of
international experiences in the curriculum has excited and engaged students in reading as well as in global
literacy. More about Sandra
- Sharon Gilbert of the Nekoosa School District, the Wisconsin Special Services Teacher of the Year. Gilbert, who lives in Stevens Point, was nominated as a music teacher at Alexander Middle School in
the Nekoosa School District. She is currently a music teacher at Humke Elementary School, also in Nekoosa. Her passion for using music to reach students on many levels and her dedication to fostering success for every learner are among the many assets noted by her colleagues. More about Sharon
- Lucas Siebert of Oostburg High School, the Wisconsin High School Teacher of the Year.
Siebert, who lives in Cascade, teaches technology education to 7th- through 12th-graders. Using real-world engineering and design challenges and drawing on partnerships with business and community
leaders, Siebert helps students hone their problem-solving and creative abilities. More about Lucas
- Lori Neurohr of Kohler Elementary School, the Wisconsin Elementary Teacher of the Year. Neurohr, who lives in Sheboygan, teaches 2nd-graders, one of whom wrote, “I jump out of bed each morning and can’t wait to get to school. We have the best teacher in the world.” More about Lori
The recipients received the news from Burmaster in surprise award ceremonies at their schools. As
part of the honor, they each received a $3,000 award from U. S. Senator Herb Kohl, through his
educational foundation. This is the second year the foundation has supported the Wisconsin Teacher of the
Year awards. As of August, the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has awarded $6.7 million to Wisconsin
educators, students, and schools.
Posted September 5, 2008
