Iowa Teacher Of The Year Nomination
We are excited to recognize one of our staff members for being nominated for The Iowa Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Teresa Van Epps, a third grade teacher at Shuler Elementary, was nominated by multiple parents of current students for her continued efforts and expertise.
Mrs. Van Epps was new to the Waukee Community School District (CSD) this year and although she joined the team in such a historic year, she never skipped a beat. Parents expressed their great appreciation for the way she navigated learning with new protocols and never failed to make a connected environment for her students.
Parents’ of third grade student, Justin and Lindsey Sheeder, speak of the way Mrs. Van Epps navigated their son’s learning during their quarantine in October 2020. “When Mrs. Van Epps found out our son would be quarantined for two weeks, she immediately picked up the phone and called us. She talked us through what learning would look like and assured us she would be there for him through every step. She was prepared to quickly adapt to having a classroom full of students each day while teaching just one student online. Throughout our time in quarantine, she went above and beyond to make sure our son still felt connected to the classroom and his classmates. She even called him each day promptly at 4:00 p.m. to check in with him. He loved and appreciated this special call with Mrs. Van Epps while he couldn’t be in the classroom. It was a bright spot during a challenging time.”
Not only has Mrs. Van Epps mastered the art of adapting in the midst of a pandemic; she’s done it all while continuously encouraging and igniting a passion for learning within her students. She’s created new and individual ways to get each of her students excited about learning.
Dustin and Julie Vande Hoef are beyond excited about their son’s new found love for math and science. These subjects were always an interest for their son, but he has blossomed into a new found love as Mrs. Van Epps has made him excited about his new learning. “Our son loves math and science and Mrs. Van Epps has challenged and inspired him in new areas of those subjects. Outside of the traditional textbooks, she has inspired him through math and science, rubik’s cube challenges, live streaming NASA projects, and math during March Madness basketball games. His excitement and energy for these subjects have not been seen in previous years and it’s amazing to see the passion for learning that Mrs. Van Epps was inspired within him.”
Mrs. Van Epps has been a wonderful addition to our staff this year. Her incredible work with the kids and passion for what she does is appreciated throughout the district. Her nomination for Iowa Teacher of the Year is well deserved and we are excited to await results.
