News : VSCSD’s Kelly Steffen among top teachers to be honored at Wednesday luncheon

Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Gregg will help deliver awards

Ten of Iowa's top teachers will be honored during an annual luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 5, in Altoona. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg will join Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise in hosting the Outstanding Iowa Teachers Recognition Luncheon.

The luncheon will recognize finalists and winners of the Iowa Teacher of the Year award, the Iowa Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and the State History Teacher of the Year award (names and schools are listed below).

George Anderson, the 2020 Iowa Teacher of the Year, will give the keynote speech.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.(Recognitions will start around 11:45.)
WHERE: The Meadows Events & Conference Center, Bishop C Ballroom, 1 Prairie Meadows Dr., Altoona

THE HONOREES

2020 Iowa Teacher of the Year:

• Award-winner: George Anderson, Kennedy High School, Cedar Rapids Community School District

• Finalists: Corrine Brown, Cedar Heights Elementary School, Cedar Falls Community School District; Luis Lemus, Irving Dual Language Elementary School, Sioux City Community School District; Dan Loy, Beaver Creek Elementary School, Johnston Community School District; Joan Nikkel, Pella Middle School, Pella Community School District

Iowa History Teacher of the Year:

• Award-winner: Kelly Steffen, Vinton-Shellsburg High School, Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching*

• Math Finalists: Sharon Jaeschke, Southeast Valley High School, Prairie Valley Community School District; Stephanie Steines, Decorah High School, Decorah Community School District
• Science Finalists: Bradley Jacobson, Central Academy, Des Moines Public Schools; Carol Reierson, North Fayette Valley Middle School, North Fayette Valley Community School District

*State award-winners have not been announced by a national selection committee.

Steffen was nominated for this honor by fellow instructor, Le Cox. She learned she was receiving the award given by the Iowa Department of Education in October, 2019. Mrs. Steffen has played a vital role in the Vinton-Shellsburg district for the last 20 years as an American History Teacher at the high school. Steffen finds the relevance presented in historical context and primary sources to help engage her students and allow them to draw their own conclusions. Kelly hopes that her passion is known and can be felt when they approach new topics in class.

"The disciplines that make up "social studies" teach us how to understand ourselves, how to understand those around us, how to understand our past, and how utilizing this information can help us become educated, contributing members of society," says Steffen, "We study social studies, so that we may be well-informed, contributing members of society."

"Kelly Steffen has a passion for her students and history," says Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock. "She's been able to combine those passions as a teacher for our district over the last 20 years. The district is thrilled that she is being recognized for her excellence and commitment to students!"

To learn more about the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School district, please visit www.vscsd.org.