The list is in alphabetical order by the teacher's last name. Many teachers received more than one nomination. We chose to reveal the first un-edited nomination they received but the nominee will get a full list with their certificate at a later date.
Please click on the teacher's name to view the first nomination received.
Anderson, Jamie - Leclaire Elementary
| We have been blessed to have Mrs. Anderson twice. She is an amazing 1st grade teacher. She goes above and beyond to teach her little minds. She is kind and passionate about what she does. You can tell she genuinely enjoys her job, she is happy to he there and gives her 110% every.single.day |
Anderson, Jenna - Trimpe Middle School
| She is so nice and she always walks in the door with a smile she is always willing to help people/kids and she is so pretty and she is so helpful |
Angelo, Luke - Meadowbrook Intermediate
| I am nominating Mr. Angelo because he is an amazing 4th grade teacher. He came into work everyday with a smile on his face and never failed to make me happy when I was upset. In his classroom, he had a wall made for making people's day. It was a bucket filling wall. We could also write notes to him and he could write back. It was a getaway from home that I couldn't get enough of. |
Baird, Kelly - Woodland Elementary School
| She is an amazing teacher who works with special need kids. Who goes above and beyond for the kids she works with. Always willing to help. Not many teachers as amazing as she is and I think she deserves some recognition for her efforts. She has a heart of gold. |
Banovz, Marissa - Trimpe Middle School
| Because math is my favorite subject. |
Bartee, Amanda - Bethalto East Primary School
| Mrs. Bartee is currently my son's teacher. She consistently goes out of her way to ensure all her students are learning while having fun. My son knows he is loved and cared about while at school, and is thriving in her class. Mrs. Bartee is very innovative with her teaching. She is so energetic and enthusiastic about her career, and I’ve never seen her not smiling. I could not think of a better recipient of this award, it’s truly an honor to nominate her. |
Biermann, Johanna - St. Peter’s Lutheran School
| She is encouraging my grandson and classmates |
Bohnenstiehl, Kim - Parkside Primary School
| She cares about the kids, she keeps in touch with parents regarding positive happenings in the classroom as well as behavior and situations that need addressed. She responds quickly to email communication and is very approachable. My granddaughter is in her class and talks about how nice, smart and pretty she is. To me, that shows her influence as a positive role model to her students |
Burns, Jack - Gillespie High School
| Mr.Burns , is a Very Outstanding Teacher and coach at Gillespie High School. He always surprises me with his teaching and everyday is a new day to learn something new whenever it be in Us History Class or On theTrack Field. Mr.Burns not only is the most remarkable teacher but he also dedicates himself to the community. He has changed my own thinking of History and has pushed me to be the best I can be. He always wants us to a least do better than to win. In the game of life and to know the importance of the United State History. He is always confronting and very understanding when it comes to his students and players. He also is very Shocking fourth hour when it time to start Class. He makes me enjoy it and others enjoy it as well. He’s well prepared to teach the students and is always on top of his game no matter what. He makes sure we always understand something and if we don’t he makes sure till we do. I feel very Blessed and lucky to have him as the most Two Important Things in my life. I cannot wait to see what my future holds because of Mr.Burns. I am able to accomplish the most amazing things in the upcoming years. |
Burns, Jamie - Wolf Ridge Elementary & JHS
| Mrs. Burns is an exceptional teacher. She holds her students to a high standard for behavior and learning all while maintaining a positive environment. She has helped her students grow in their confidence to succeed educationally through many student led projects. She also is top notch at differentiation, helping students of all levels to reach their potential. I have seen my child blossom under her instruction- personally and academically, largely due to the many enrichment opportunities provided as well as the gentle, yet firm guidance that Mrs. Burns offers her students. Our school is extremely lucky to have a teacher of this caliber and we are thankful for her! |
Burns, Melissa - St. Peter's Lutheran
| She's an outstanding teacher and principal, my son really enjoys being in her classroom. |
Carmody, Matt - Trimpe Middle School
| I'm nominating this teacher because he always has a fun way to teach the lesson. |
Combes, Shanna - Trimpe Middle School
| She is super nice and very chill when you do something and she is the best eagle time teacher. |
Cooper, Kelly - Meadowbrook Intermediate
| She is kind, hard working, and takes time out of her day to help others. She also shows she cares about each student and always will help you. This is why I choose to nominate her. |
Corby, Rhonda - Staunton Elementary
| My son struggles a little in school, and if it weren't for Mrs. Corby's patience, it wouldn't be possible for him to be doing well and getting good grades. She is wonderful and understanding and I couldn't have asked for a better teacher for his 3rd grade year! I really appreciate all of her awesome efforts to make sure he keeps up and does well. |
Davin, John - Staunton High School
| He supports the school/community, and teaches the students in a wide verity of agricultural classes. He has taken his students on many trips to places like the Wisconsin Dells, Springfield the state Capital on several occasions, as well as Jerseyville and Decatur for meetings. Mr. Davin is a great teacher and should be recognized for his efforts to teach our kids about agriculture in our country. |
Denney, Karrie - Bethalto East Primary School
| Mrs. Denney is an amazing teacher. She truly cares about her students. Despite having a lot going on in her personal life, she was still worried about her class. My daughter loves going to school now, and it’s all about how Mrs. Denney keeps learning fun. |
Doyle, Nikki - Trimpe Middle School
| I am nominating Mrs. doyle because she makes sure everyone is getting the help they need when they need it. She makes learning math more fun and interactive. |
Dugan, Michelle - Wolf Ridge Elementary
| Mrs. Dugan is the best teacher ever. She cares about all of her students. |
Fee, Janice - Meadowbrook Intermediate
| She is such an amazing teacher and goes above and beyond to make sure her students are doing their very best. My daughters lives school and wants to be with her teacher every single day. I couldn’t imagine a better teacher!! She is such a beautiful and amazing soul! |
Garde, Tammy - Gillespie Middle School
Miss. Garde is a resource teacher. I have 3 kids with educational issues. If it was not for her kind heart, expertise in teaching these kids with special needs, & a comforting caring person. Which she is also been a counseling person for kids.She is there for the kids to learn. If it wasnt for her my kids probably not made it through middle school. Even after my kids have moved on, she has kept in contact with me over their accomplishments in school & life. So I nominate her for teacher of the year.
Gerth, Joe - St. Paul Lutheran School
| One day this year, my daughter came home and said, "Mr. Gerth got mad today." I was so surprised. Mr. Gerth is an even-keeled guy who normally handles even the goofiest middle school behavior with a huge amount of grace. "What did he do?" I asked. "He told us we had to stop, in a very even tone," she said. We both had to laugh. That's Mr. Gerth. Several of my children have had Mr. Gerth for a teacher now, so I know that he has an inimitable gift for maintaining a calm classroom that allows kids to listen, think, and work. He is exceptionally good-natured and patient, and does not let a rough morning or an unhinged student get the better of him. This might make him sound rigid, but the truth is that his ability to keep students moving in the right direction is due to his flexibility. He is able to absorb life's surprises, particularly those that come in human form. This keeps others from getting knocked out by the shock waves. Like a Timex watch, Mr. Gerth takes a licking and keeps on ticking. But Mr. Gerth's ability to keep his students focused, cheerful, and secure shows that a Timex of a person makes a Rolex of a teacher. |
Gockel-Jones, Dawn - Wolf Ridge Elementary
| Ms. Gockel is kind. We like to play learning games together. |
Gowin, Jennifer - Trimpe Middle School
| She is the nicest, funniest, and most optimistic teacher I have and she is awesome and makes my day better every time I come into her room. |
Haar, Dee - Trimpe Middle School
| She cares about us and our learning. She always makes sure we have the help we need. She has patients with us and makes sure we understand. |
Hall, Donna - Meadowbrook Intermediate School
| She was really caring and loves her kids |
Howell, Paula - Parkside Primary School
| Mrs. Howell is a wonderful special education teacher ! She cares about her students and provides the best learning environment for them that fosters independence and a sensory-friendly room. She is kind and compassionate to the children that she cares for and is easy to talk to. She is organized and dedicated to students and always has excellent input at my son's IEP meetings. She definitely has a heart for students with special needs! |
Huebner, Jessica - Wolf Ridge Elementary
| Mrs. Huebner is a kindergarten teacher at Wolf Ridge Elementary in Bunker Hill. She is the most caring individual, and loves each of her students like one of her own. She always has a fun and creative activity for them to do. She pours her heart and soul into her job and it definitely shows! She is so caring towards her students and goes above and beyond to make sure they are happy. She makes learning fun for them and makes going to school an adventure each day! |
Hyman, Sierra - Columbus Elementary
| Im nominating Sierra because she is a wonderful, caring, delightful person inside & out. Every since high school shes excelled in everything, shes a down to earth woman, friendly, HILARIOUS, so easy to get along with & she strives for the best version in herself. Shes awesome. & for being so young, Im very proud of her! |
Hyman, Tammy - Bethalto East Primary School
| She’s a first grade teacher and she really cares about her students. She’s made the transition so smoothly with the homeschooling. She believes into her students. She says hello and encourages them every day through Facebook and the seesaw homework application. She’s truly a wonderful person. And I’m happy to have my child in her class. |
Ingram, Denise - Parkside Primary School
| She has the most creative ideas to make learning fun for the children. Also, I have never seen my son more bonded with a teacher. She encourages the children to take initiative in the school and the community - such as when they started a coin drive to send many to Australia to help with wildfire relief or when she helped my son find a sponsor for the school club he wanted to start. In addition to her everyday responsibilities, she takes extra time to periodically write each child a positive note, personalized to encourage and nurture each child she has in her class. We have been so lucky to have her for our son's 3rd grade teacher. |
Jarman, Stacy - South Macoupin Head Start
| My granddaughter, Gracie, has been in her class for two years. I have seen Mrs. Jarman in the classroom and she exhibits such love and care for her students. On Grandparents Day she made us feel so wanted in her classroom. The children and grandparents made a craft together, had special pictures taken with our grandchild and each grandparent had a plant to take home. Gracie has learned so much from her and she adores her teacher. |
Juergemeier, Matthew - Civic Memorial High School
| Mr. J is a new teacher to our district this year, following the retirement of a beloved choir director who had been in the district for over 30 years. He jumped right in and has made great relationships with our students! He shows great enthusiasm and his love of music is apparent to anyone who sees him direct. My daughter decided to join choir in her senior year, and Mr J has taught her so much technically about singing. She now has a new love of music- singing! Mr J is an excellent teacher and is very deserving of this award! |
Kamp, Meghan - Bethalto Community School Dist.
| She is an awesome teacher that works with 18 to 21 year old young adults with special needs. She teaches life skills and prepares them for life after high school. She takes them out into the community. They do their own grocery shopping as well as preparing their own lunch daily. She teaches them money, time, laundry and cleaning up after themselves. |
Klaustermeier, Zachary - Trimpe Middle School
He cares about his kids and is really nice to us. He makes things fun.
Knight, Kim - Our Lady Queen of Peace
| I am nominating Mrs.Knight as Madison’s teacher of the year. She is a 6th grade teacher to my child and she goes above and beyond to help the students in her class. Mrs knight is also our Stem teacher and she is always creating unique and inventive lessons for the students. She Tutors kids after school and will always drop what she’s doing to help a student. She is one special teacher. |
Kolesar, John - Staunton Junior High School
| Me kolesar has inspired me to be a better person, and inspire others to do well. Though he is only a pe teacher, his words of wisdom always help me through the day, and will definitely help me though life. Mr kolesar is my idol, and will be there for anyone who is willing to treat him with respect. |
Kriegel, Rebecca - Parkside Primary School
| She is an amazing teacher and during this hard time she is doing everything she can to make things better for her students and for the parents. I love all the hard work she is putting into at home school work for my daughter. |
Lemond, Joshua - Civic Memorial High School
| I am nominating Mr. Lemond for the impression he’s made on both of my daughters. He has not just been a teacher but has built relationships with them. On almost a daily basis his name is heard in our house about something he’s done or said that has made a positive impact on my children. I feel blessed to have him in my daughters lives and believe that if there is any teacher deserving of this, it’s him. |
Lewis, Brooke - Alhambra Primary
| Mrs. Lewis works hard to encourage a growth mindset and positive environment for student learning. She recognizes student successes and helps students learn and grow when mistakes are made. |
Lugge, Keri - Parkside Primary School
| Kari is an amazing teacher. She really knows how to open up the minds of our children. My child is always so excited to go to school and learn more. The way she teaches she makes learning fun and exciting. She really knows how to get the attention of their growing minds. She deserves this more than anybody. She adores everyone in her class. She has been teaching for 18 years. |
Masinelli, John - Staunton High School
| Really cool dude Smart Funny Worked many Jobs Works two jobs Look nice everyday Has the best stories Loves to work out |
McCalla, Maggie - St. Peter's Lutheran School
| She takes the time with all the kids to make sure they understand their studies |
Moore, Cody - Trimpe Middle School
| He super cool and he is the best teacher like Mrs.Gowin and I can't choose. Witch is better I chose both. |
Murphy, Megan - Wolf Ridge Junior High
| Ms. Murphy is awesome. She helps us learn. She tell us funny math stories. |
Ochs, Kristie - Trimpe Middle School
She is very nice.
Osmoe, Barb - South Macoupin Head Start
| She's an amazing teacher! She's very good with the kids and the kids love her. |
Peuterbaugh, Anne - Trimpe Middle School
| She is so kind to everyone, if you ever arent there for a reason she always wants to make sure they understand a subject no matter what. She also is very passionate by her job. |
Pirok, Leslie - Worden Elementary
| I am nominating Mrs. Pirok because she always helps us. If one student misses math for band, she will go over that lesson again with them. She also goes over any tests that she can to make sure that we understand the test. |
Price, Amy - Ben-Gil Elementary School
| Ms. Price goes above and beyond for her students. I am simply amazed at the amount of progress my child has made this school year and I know its 100% a reflection on the guidance he gets from her. She pushes her students to be successful and to be the best version of themselves they can be. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher for our children! |
Rull, Suzanne - Wolf Ridge Elementary
| I strongly nominate Ms. Rull for your Madison Teacher of the Year award for 2020! Where do I start with this prestigious teacher who puts her heart and soul into every student that walks through her classroom door? It doesn’t even stop there! Her love for every student and each of their families goes beyond the classroom and school, and she makes personal connections with every single one. Teaching is her true passion and I truly believe it is her purpose in life! This is what you will notice when you interact with her as an outsider. To have personal experiences with your own child having her as an educator goes even further! We have been blessed to not only have her once, but twice as a teacher for our daughters. The love of reading she has instilled in both of our daughters is unbelievable! To see our daughter currently jump reading levels in a matter of a few months and hear how she reads with such expression, shows how dedicated and committed Ms. Rull is towards the students’ education. She goes above and beyond by creating engaging hands on activities and lessons, inviting “guests” to interact with the class, inspires each student to spread kindness, teaches life lessons and wants each student to fall in love with learning! The impact she makes is significant and I hope she realizes this! She is one of those teachers that after you are grown, you will always remember the fun activities you did in her class, her love for sloths (which the kids love too), and the way she made you feel! We love you Ms. Rull for so many more reasons than mentioned! Keep being you! |
Schaft, Beth - Trimpe Middle School
| She always makes learning fun and talks to you and listens and genuinely cares about you. She is so easy to talk to and makes your day better. She teaches us and will always stop to help us. |
Sherfy, Austin - Staunton Junior High School
| because he’s a great teacher, always makes class fun, and he’s super helpful when you need help with anything that doesn’t have to be just math. |
Slaby, Tyler - Liberty Middle School
| Mr Slaby is an excellent teacher, keeping us updated through the remind app. Our child enjoys his class, and is learning a lot this year. |
Smiddy, Tim - Staunton Elementary
| He teaches social studies in a way that other kids can understand. He just makes social studies very very fun. |
Troeckler, Robin - Bethalto East Primary School
| Robin goes above and beyond each and every day to meet the needs of every student. She meets them where they are and brings them to success, bringing out the best qualities in them. She works long hours, works through the summers, and is always positive. Both of my daughters were blessed to have her for their first grade teacher. |
Trost, Megan - Civic Memorial High School
| Ms. Trost is a life skills teacher at Bethalto CM. She goes above and beyond for each of the students in her class. This includes long nights at the school, giving up weekends, and more. She also organizes the school special Olympics. Her students have grown so much in her time as their life skills teacher, and parents and administrators alike routinely praise her ability as a teacher. Ms Trost is absolutely one of the top teachers of the area. |
Walker, Mary - Trimpe Middle School
She is always helping people and getting their work. She does work a lot for her money and always has a smile even if it is a bad day. She helps people be happy.
Wallis, Ashley - Trimpe Middle School
| Mrs. Wallis is an excellent special education teacher who tirelessly advocates for her students needs. Mrs. Wallis feeds her students when they are hungry and has purchased clothes and personal items out of her own pocket for her students. She understands that meeting her student's basic needs is important so they are able to learn. She is well respected and loved by her colleagues and her students . |
Wiemers, Julie - Parkside Primary School
| I worked for the Bethalto School district for many years. I saw many lives touched by the impact a great teacher can have. My grandson Brody struggled and never cared for school. He is a 2nd grader this year. Brody teacher is a very disciplined teacher on working with students of all learning types. Her dedication as I say OLD SCHOOL has Brody back in the game of learning. Shes given him self confidence which in turn has brought his ability to want to do better in a higher standard. Mrs Wiemers makes sure that his progress is monitored and his needs are met. |
Wilhite, Renea - Bethalto East Primary School
| She is amazing to her students and their parents! Also, I am a substitute and she has been more than helpful in helping me feel as comfortable as I can in any of the classrooms! |
Williams, Tammy - Parkside Primary School
| She is the best!!!!!!! |
Wineland, Kariann - Trimpe Middle School
| Mrs. Wineland is a fun, enthusiastic, compassionate teacher. My child had her for English Language Arts two years in a row. Mrs. Wineland brought literature to life for my child as she read novels to the class. What used to be my child's least favorite subject became his favorite. For two years he looked forward to Mrs. Wineland's class each day, and uncharacteristically at home, we heard stories about Mrs. Wineland and what happened in her class. Mrs. Wineland was a ray of light in our son's days for two years, and we will be forever thankful for her. |
Wooten, Kelly - Bethalto East Primary
| She is kind and understanding. She has high expectation for herself and her students. She has the ability to connect with students and she researches for "new" approaches that will best help them learn. She has a superior talent for teaching. |
Wrenn, April - Trimpe Middle School
| I would like to nominate this teacher because she is so sweet and so kind. I think she is most likely the best teacher in the school because she is allways nice no mader what is going on in her life. And she loves her job and all her students. |
Zimmer, Matthew - Meadowbrook Intermediate
| He is really nice and didn't care What we did and only because if something that got out of hand he would settle. |