Page 24 - TTWISummer2026

Leadership
Page 24 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Five Educators selected as 2026–27 Teachers of the Year Continued from Page 22
“This is a really beautiful honor,” Scott ticeship Programs, giving students the on a more personal level and fosters cre-
said. “I’m very grateful for this [Nuestro opportunity to gain real-world experience ativity, especially in students who struggle
Mundo] community, especially my col- while earning high school credit. in subjects like math or reading.
leagues. They work hard, they believe in “Sauk Prairie High School is so lucky Through engagement with parents and
what we’re doing, and they support me so to have Ms. Lassanske,” the State Super- other school staff, Devon shares progress of
much.” intendent said during the ceremony. “Even his artists and the creative, exciting work
after 29 years as a counselor here, she has they’re doing in his class. Even the most
never stopped learning, growing, volun- tentative students leave his classroom more
www.madison.k12.wi.us
teering, and showing up with enthusiasm skilled, more confident, and ready to handle
and compassion every day.” whatever challenge comes their way.
The State Superintendent commended As a leader, Devon served as WAEA
Sauk Prairie High School for having 14 President and NAEA Elementary Division
current Kohl Teacher Fellows on the teach- Director. He has presented/hosted dozens of
ing team — a number she believes is the sessions at state and national conferences,
highest for any one school in the state! authored numerous articles for NAEA
Kristen Scott News, Art Times, and SchoolArts Maga-
Fourth grade teacher at Nuestro Mundo zine, and mentored a pre-service educator.
Community School, Madison Metropolitan saukprairieschools.org His honors include WAEA Elementary Art
School District Educator of the Year (2024), WAEA Art
Kristen Scott, a fourth-grade bilin- Educator of the Year (2026), and Wisconsin
gual teacher at Nuestro Mundo Community Teacher of the Year (2026).
School in Madison, was surprised with
the prestigious honor — which includes www.milton.k12.wi.us
a $3,000 award — during a schoolwide
assembly.
“Mrs. Scott is innovative and deter-
mined; she sees challenges as opportunities,” Tonya Lassanske
said Wisconsin’s State Superintendent School counselor at Sauk Prairie High
during the assembly. “When she has an School, Sauk Prairie School District
idea to improve the school, she will work Sauk Prairie High School Counselor,
tirelessly to bring it to life, whether that Tonya Lassanske, was named a Wisconsin
means securing grants or finding new part- Teacher of the Year at a surprise pep rally
ners to collaborate with. She is dedicated to at Sauk Prairie High School. The honor
making the school a welcoming and inclu- was presented to her by Wisconsin’s State
sive place where everyone feels like they Superintendent. Joining a crowd of students
belong.” and staff were Mrs. Lassanske’s family, her Devon Calvert
With more than 30 years of experience parents, her high school basketball coach, Art teacher at the School District of Milton
in education, Scott has dedicated her career and many other friends and colleagues. Milton art teacher, Devon Calvert,
to supporting multilingual learners and fos- A dedicated advocate for the whole was named a Wisconsin Teacher of the
tering inclusive classroom environments. child, Mrs. Lassanske has served Sauk Year at a schoolwide surprise celebration at
At Nuestro Mundo, she has played a key Prairie High School for 29 years as coun- Harmony Elementary School.
role in strengthening family engagement selor, registrar, and student services lead. “Mr. Calvert’s passion for teaching Allison Urban
and building connections between students’ She has played a critical role in bridging the and the arts inspires creativity in all of his Eighth grade special education teacher at
home and school experiences. gap between mental health and academic students,” said Wisconsin’s State Super- Pilgrim Park Middle School, School Dis-
Kristen has dedicated her profes- achievement by implementing alternative intendent during the celebration. “He is trict of Elmbrook
sional career to leveling the playing field of graduation pathways and universal mental deeply committed to celebrating every stu- Allison Urban was surprised and
public education, particularly for English health screening. dent’s artistic talent, ensuring they have honored during a whole-school assembly
Language Learners, students of color, and As a school counselor, Tonya leads opportunities to share their artwork and as Pilgrim Park Middle School gathered
students living below the poverty line. She with empathy and builds trust with students collaborate on creative pieces for everyone to celebrate being named a 2026 Wiscon-
believes that equity is not achieved through in her care to help them with whatever chal- to enjoy.” sin School of Recognition. The celebration
intention alone, but through sustained pres- lenges they may face. She doesn’t consider Calvert has spent the past 11 years became even more memorable when the
ence, high expectations, and deep care. herself a “fixer” of problems, but rather a teaching at Harmony and Consolidated State Superintendent announced Urban as
“Kristen’s impact on her students and facilitator of psychological safety. Her deep Elementary Schools, where he blends art one of Wisconsin’s Teachers of the Year.
school community is extraordinary,” Josh care for her students’ general well-being history and contemporary artists to inspire “Allison exemplifies the very best of
Forehand, Nuestro Mundo principal, said. takes precedence over trying to patch over creativity in his K–3 students. He played student-centered teaching,” stated Princi-
“Her commitment to ensuring every student specific issues which allows kids to feel a key role in Harmony Elementary School pal Kelly Szesterniak. “Her compassion,
feels seen, valued and supported reflects empowered and eventually become their being selected as one of the first schools in expertise, and commitment to helping every
the very best of our profession. We are own best advocates. the nation to pilot the National Elementary learner feel valued and capable have made
proud to celebrate this well-deserved rec- Tonya has led efforts to focus on the Art Honor Society, providing students with a lasting impact on students, families, and
ognition and grateful for the difference she systems around students that often let them the opportunity to complete service-learn- staff. This honor is a testament to her dedi-
makes every day.” down in order to make meaningful change ing projects within the community. cation and excellence in the field of special
Scott has previously been recognized for in the lives of kids and the community at Devon believes in the power of artistic education.”
her work in bilingual education and inclusive large. Her hunger for learning and growing expression and that all children, regardless A veteran Special Education Teacher
practices, having been named the Bilingual is a big reason why she’s had such an of background, ability, or learning style with more than 16 years of experience,
Teacher of the Year by the Wisconsin Asso- impact at Sauk Prairie High School. deserve meaningful opportunities to express Urban currently serves 8th-grade students
ciation for Bilingual Education in 2015, and Mrs. Lassanske also helped expand themselves. He has curated his studio to be
Educator of the Year by GSAFE in 2018. Work-Based Learning and Youth Appren- a safe space for students to find themselves Continued on Page 25