2023 Teaching Excellence Award
The Waukee Community Schools Foundation is honored to announce the recipient of the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award is Abby Schmitz, Fifth Grade Teacher at Eason Elementary. Mrs. Schmitz was nominated by not one, but four colleagues this year. The Award is given annually to one teacher in the Waukee Community Schools District who exemplifies innovation, integrity, and leadership in and out of the classroom.
“We were blown away by the glowing nominations for Abby Schmitz to receive this award,” said Adrianne Towe, Executive Director of the Waukee Community Schools Foundation. “It was clear to the awards committee that all of this year’s nominees were so deserving of the award, but Mrs. Schmitz really stood out. She makes quite an impact on students in her classroom, students she coaches, and her colleagues at Eason.”
“Abby embodies integrity. She is well-respected by all who cross her path, both in the classroom and outside. She is guided by a genuine desire to do good and treats all with kindness. She has an uncanny ability to find and bring out the best qualities in others.” - Emily Luymes, Eason Elementary.
“Abby is a pioneer of the education field, specifically shining through with innovation in science and makerspace (STEM) opportunities she offers daily to her students. As a leader on our 5th grade team, she will incorporate kinesthetic learning into her science lessons to give not only hands-on activities, but fully physical learning.” - Faith Shellabarger, Eason Elementary.
“She always puts the needs of students, their families, and other staff above her own. Last school year, Abby went above and beyond in creating a safe atmosphere for a student in her class. She spent time outside of school with him, connecting and providing support. Abby became a huge source of comfort for him during a difficult time.” - Katie Walsh, Eason Elementary.
“She is creative in making her classroom a safe space for students with a wide range of needs. Her classroom is often full of quirky kids who need the love and individual attention that only Abby can provide. Each year we wonder how she does it. She can not only give every child her full attention and support with all social, emotional and behavioral needs, but she also rallies her whole class into a cohesive, happy, hardworking crew of kids (who find a welcome home in Schmitzerland) who love school and treat each other with kindness.” - Rebecca Meyer, Eason Elementary.
As the 2023 recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award, Mrs. Schmitz receives a $1,000 classroom grant and a one-year lease of a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox from Shottenkirk Chevrolet. Her name will also be engraved on a plaque at the District Office. Watch the video as Mrs. Schmitz is surprised with the award!
The Waukee Community Schools Foundation congratulates Abby Schmitz and wishes to recognize our other deserving 2023 nominees:
Amy Hayes
Amy Llewellyn
Beth Snyder
Carrie Manning
Chad Vollmecke
Codie Fetters
Dianne Petersen
Emily Halverson
Jenny Kopp
Jericho Baker
Kelli Hales
Sara Emerick
William Patton
The Foundation is also grateful to all of the WCSD employees who submitted nominations. Thank you for taking the time to honor your colleagues.