Teaching Excellence Award
Innovation. Leadership. Integrity.
This award recognizes the work of one educator within the Waukee Community School District who elevates the classroom, school, and workplace experience through innovation, leadership, and integrity. Nominations must be submitted by a District employee. A committee of board members and community volunteers will review all nominations and determine the annual Teaching Excellence Award winner based on the criteria outlined below.
Nomination Prompt: How has this teacher caught your attention as an innovator?
The Foundation is looking for:
- Someone whose actions communicate a willingness to take risks, subvert the norm, and respond to change with vigor and solutions
- Someone who, in addition to excelling in their content area, excels beyond their content area and job expectations (“content area” includes outside of subject matter, grade level, building, etc.)
- Someone who leans into challenges and identifies new, out-of-the-box solutions
Nomination Prompt: How has this teacher led other teachers in creating an exceptional quality of learning in the Waukee Community School District?
The Foundation is looking for:
- Someone who leads others through challenges with a spirit of collaboration
- Someone whose actions exhibit a growth mindset by choosing to evolve with the changes in our world and schools over the last year
- Someone who drives unity and community within the school setting, brings people along with them on their journey toward excellence
Nomination Prompt: How has this teacher displayed integrity in their daily work?
The Foundation is looking for:
- Someone who identifies solutions that support students and teachers alike
- Someone whose actions communicate value to all stakeholders
- Someone who accepts challenges and embraces change while keeping the integrity of their profession, as well as student and school goals, at the core of their work
Nominations for the 2025 Teaching Excellence Award will be accepted through Jan. 8, 2025.