Emma Birdwell — Western Hills Elementary, First Grade Teacher

The jump from kindergarten to first grade can sometimes be a big one. Ms. Birdwell has made that transition so wonderful for our daughter and other students. She has high expectations for students yet still keeps the classroom fun. We regularly hear about the learning going on in the classroom and we can see the work Ms. Birdwell puts in time to make it fun, engaging, and even a little silly sometimes. The excitement our daughter has about learning math is so encouraging. We are so lucky to have Ms. Birdwell as a first grade teacher and are so thankful for her hard work.

Holly Buchholz — Western Hills Elementary, Substitute Teacher

Holly jumps in happily to support students when their teacher has to step away. She is a familiar and supportive adult for all the students she has worked with. We are very lucky to have Holly willingly jump into any role at either the elementary level or the high school level.

Jeremy Caracci — Valley High School, AP Psychology and Success Center Teacher

Jeremy Caracci is the epitome of a “warm demander.” He challenges his students every day to think while maintaining a supportive and caring environment. He works with students to get motivated to succeed by creating relationships with them and helping them realize their academic potential. In addition, he is always willing to help students and staff. He helps subs in the building get their technology set up and helps colleagues whenever they need support. He is on multiple committees and is one of the cross country and track coaches at Valley. He is incredibly involved in our school community, and we are so thankful we get to have him work at Valley and in our district!

Jason Coellner — Operations, Bus Driver

We want to recognize Jason for his exceptional work and the vital role he plays in keeping our Transportation Department running smoothly. Jason is a model of consistency, showing up every day with a level of reliability the entire team depends on. He takes full ownership of his routes, managing his bus and his students with a high degree of independence that rarely requires external support.

When things get complicated or a last-minute problem pops up, he’s the guy who stays calm, figures out a solution, and keeps our student riders moving forward. What really stands out is his attitude — nothing seems to ruffle his feathers, and he stays positive no matter what the day throws at him. That kind of steady, professional composure makes a real difference to everyone he works with and the families he serves. We really appreciate him showing up and putting in the work every single day. Jason is a true professional who makes every day a joy to be on his team!

Renata Eustice-Cleveland — Walnut Creek Campus, Special Education Teacher

Renata Eustice-Cleveland has been a special education teacher for the past three years in the therapeutic room at Walnut Creek. Renata is dedicated, empathetic, and competent. She structures an individualized educational program for students who struggle with balanced mental health. She takes a genuine and sincere interest in each of her students and is very talented in having dialogues that are calming and empowering for her students.

She is a strong communicator and is organized with IEP tracking, programming, and goal setting. Renata creates solid relationships with students, families, and staff to ensure the best pathways toward success. It is an honor to work with Renata and be a witness to her undying energy and compassion. She has made a PAWSitive impact on my experience as an employee, and I see her positive influence in the far reaches of our programming.

Clint Gentry — Valley High School, Computer Science Teacher

Clint has been a staple in WDMCS for 20 years, and his impact on our Computer Science program is huge. He doesn’t just tell students to learn, he leads by example. Recently, he took it upon himself to earn his own professional certifications in Python and Java just so he could better teach the material and help his students pass those same exams.

He’s doing exactly what the state of Iowa is asking for by bringing real-world skills and industry recognized credentials (IRCs) into the classroom. On top of that, he’s a key part of our Software Engineering apprenticeship program, making sure his students are actually ready for the workplace. Clint stays ahead of the curve so his students don’t fall behind, and that kind of dedication is exactly what inspires our kids every day.

Karl Goldsmith — Valley High School, Chemistry B/Organic Chemistry Teacher

Mr. Goldsmith has always been able to explain chemistry in a way that makes sense, even if that means explaining it multiple times. He takes questions seriously and never flinches re-explaining something for the fifth time. Even after I transferred teachers, he still gave me advice about classes to take and greeted me in the hallways. He is understanding and accommodating to all students and is truly my favorite teacher. Excited for Organic Chemistry next year!

Emily Gorham — Stilwell Junior High, Behavior Interventionist

Emily makes a meaningful and lasting impact at Stilwell each and every day. She goes above and beyond to support both staff and students, ensuring everyone has the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed. During a time of great need this year, Emily has stepped up as a strong and dependable leader, guiding others with positivity, dedication, and care. We appreciate her so much!

Emily Johnson — Western Hills Elementary, Art Teacher

Emily shows up every day prepared to teach several classes with different mediums. She encourages the children to make the most of their time with her and empowers them by allowing their creative energy to flow. She also holds them responsible for their spaces in the art room. She often stays late to keep the art room an organized place for students to draw, paint, and form clay. She always displays students work!

Kelli King — Valley High School, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher

Kelli King consistently goes above and beyond for her students by bringing the real world into her classroom. Rather than simply teaching from a curriculum, she collaborates with industry experts to ensure her students are fully prepared for college and their future careers. By organizing remarkable activities and field trips, Mrs. King empowers her students with firsthand insight into the interior design profession, giving them the confidence they need to succeed.

Her dedication is best displayed in the extensive planning she put into the upcoming trip to Chicago in April 2026, where students will tour the Frank Lloyd Wright home, visit professional design studios, and see world-famous architecture. Through her immense time and energy, Mrs. King ensures her students don’t just study design, they actually experience it. She is truly inspiring the next generation at Valley!

Tonia Kautz — Fairmeadows Elementary, Reading Resource Teacher

Mrs. Kautz helped my daughter in her academic development and provided her with positive emotional support. Mrs. Kautz was the reason my daughter fell in love with reading after she was shamed for not knowing how to read.

My daughter was behind in reading and math at that time. Mrs. Kautz
provided all the encouraging and motivating qualities that contributed to my child’s growth. I will never forget those who were kind to her and contributed to my child‘s academic progress and happiness. In addition, Mrs. Kautz treated my child with dignity, respect, and love. She was like a mother to my child. All teachers should learn from Mrs. Kautz’s ethics, professionalism, and how to be the reason for the student’s success.

Corey Rasmussen — Valley High School, Math Teacher

Corey Rasmussen makes a positive impact on students and teachers every single day! As a math teacher, Corey approaches his teaching with enthusiasm and innovative strategies to really help students believe they can do math, even if they think they can’t. Corey works to develop relationships with his students and offers them a safe space to come for extra help or to find a caring adult advocate. Students gravitate to Corey because of his positivity and even “check in” with him in the morning — not because they have to, but because they want to. As the girls wrestling coach, Corey goes above and beyond to help his student-athletes achieve at high levels and feel supported. He has taken on this relatively new sport to help it flourish and grow within our community. As a colleague, Corey facilitates the geometry PLC with grace and humor. He is a great collaborator who freely shares his resources and lesson plans with his PLC, and he is a supportive mentor to newer teachers. Corey always has a smile on his face and exudes positivity in the halls of Valley High School!

Samantha Salmon — Crossroads Park Elementary, Sixth Grade Teacher

Sami is always willing to meet the children where they are. She truly listens to them and makes them feel heard. She is a teacher who builds relationships with her students in such a thoughtful way. My son has thrived in her classroom this year, and we owe a lot of that to the environment she has cultivated. She is calm and centered, strong and motivated. We appreciate her and the impact she has made this year. She is wonderful in so many ways. We want to thank her from the bottom of our hearts!

Sue Samuelson — Fairmeadows Elementary, Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Samuelson has a rare and beautiful gift for connecting with children. She meets each student exactly where they are, offering patience, encouragement, and genuine care. She truly makes an impact on each child. She is a mentor, a difference maker, and a cornerstone of the Fairmeadows community. To watch her in action is to witness what teaching is truly meant to be. As a parent, I will always be grateful that my son began his school journey in the care of someone as extraordinary as her. Teachers like her don’t just teach children — they become part of the village every child deserves. For us as parents, that makes all the difference.

Michael Schill — Stilwell Junior High, Special Education Teacher

Michael is a joy to work with! He makes connections with so many students each and every day. He starts their day with a smile and is someone all students know they can count on. My favorite thing Michael does is trivia in the halls every Thursday morning. He greets students on their way into breakfast and always gives high-fives to passing students. Not only is he great with students in our building, but he is a great colleague and friend. Stilwell is lucky to have Michael as a staff member!

Mary Scott — Indian Hills Junior High, Seventh Grade Health Teacher

Michael is a joy to work with! He makes connections with so many students each and every day. He starts their day with a smile and is someone all students know they can count on. My favorite thing Michael does is trivia in the halls every Thursday morning. He greets students on their way into breakfast and always gives high-fives to passing students. Not only is he great with students in our building, but he is a great colleague and friend. Stilwell is lucky to have Michael as a staff member!

Dan Stoa — Crestview School of Inquiry, Assistant Principal

Dan Stoa has been an outstanding addition to our Crestview family in his role as assistant principal. He is actively engaged in all aspects of the school community, maintaining a strong presence in classrooms and providing meaningful, actionable feedback following walkthroughs and observations.

Dan is a positive, hardworking leader who has helped foster a culture where staff feel seen, heard, and genuinely appreciated. He brings thoughtful insights, innovative ideas, and a calm, steady presence even in the midst of daily challenges. His proactive approach and consistent positivity have strengthened our school environment in countless ways.

Additionally, Dan builds strong, respectful relationships with staff, students, and families alike, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the success and well-being of everyone in our community. Mr. Stoa is exactly the kind of leader our school needs, and we are fortunate to have him at Crestview.

Andrea Thompson — Valley High School, CNA/Advisory Teacher

Mrs. Thompson is the warmest and most welcoming person I know. She has a unique ability to explain concepts clearly and in a way that truly makes sense to every student. She listens to everyone and ensures they feel heard and valued. The kindness and patience she shows daily set a powerful example, teaching students not just academics, but how to treat others with respect and compassion. She’s truly a ray of sunshine, and I can not express how grateful I am to know her.

Eric Traynor — Valley High School, Counselor

Eric is one of the best people you will ever meet. He is kind and compassionate, but holds high expectations for students. He is a true collaborator, with the ability to work well with anyone and everyone he comes across. He is supportive of students and fellow staff members. He works incredibly hard and brings the very best version of himself to every task, moment, and meeting. You’d be hard pressed to find someone with a better attitude on a daily basis than Eric Traynor! He is one of the greats!