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Nominee: Julie Kreizel (juleskreizel@gmail.com)
Nominated by: Anne Schmidt (aschmid@lps.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2022-08-15
Nomination description:
Julie Kreizel has served as an instructional leader for many years, first as a classroom teacher and most recently as the Middle School Math Coordinator for Lincoln Public Schools. She is a valued collaborator who is able to gently challenge the status quo for me and other colleagues with insightful questions and thoughtful reflection. Julie has presented numerous professional learning sessions focused on what good math teaching and learning looks like. Julie\'s mission is summed up by one of her favorite quotes from Maya Angelou, \"I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better\"
Nominated by: Anne Schmidt (aschmid@lps.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2022-08-15
Nomination description:
Julie Kreizel has served as an instructional leader for many years, first as a classroom teacher and most recently as the Middle School Math Coordinator for Lincoln Public Schools. She is a valued collaborator who is able to gently challenge the status quo for me and other colleagues with insightful questions and thoughtful reflection. Julie has presented numerous professional learning sessions focused on what good math teaching and learning looks like. Julie\'s mission is summed up by one of her favorite quotes from Maya Angelou, \"I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better\"
Nominee: Julie Kreizel (jkreizel@lps.org)
Nominated by: Karla Bandemer, Delise Andrews, Anne Schmidt (kengh@lps.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2023-05-17
Nomination description:
Julie Kreizel has left her mark on the students and staff of Lincoln Public Schools. She spent her career with LPS working as a middle school math teacher and then as the district’s Middle School Math Coordinator. As a result of her leadership and drive to ensure equitable math instruction for each and every student, middle school classrooms across the district have embraced effective mathematics teaching practices. She is a masterful instructional coach who encourages teachers to reflect on their craft and continue to learn more about sound mathematics instruction. Julie is quick with an encouraging word but also ready to challenge others when there is a need. She has been a tireless advocate for high quality mathematics instruction, leading the way by inviting others into her own classroom. She is generous with her expertise and wisdom, always willing to problem solve and brainstorm with colleagues. She has a talent for asking just the right question, pushing others to reflect and consider different perspectives. Julie’s involvement with teacher development extends beyond Lincoln Public Schools. As an instructor in UNL’s Math in the Middle program, Julie helped to increase the content and pedagogical knowledge of mathematics teachers throughout the state of Nebraska. During her career, she frequently contributed to NATM and NCTM by presenting at conferences and facilitating Math Circles. Julie spends time learning about the teaching and learning of mathematics from the best minds and most reputable sources available. She is determined to provide professional learning opportunities that highlight research-based instructional practices. She follows through with on-going support for teachers to implement these practices into their classrooms. She has the ability to inspire others to find ways to improve their craft in the same way she improves hers.
Nominated by: Karla Bandemer, Delise Andrews, Anne Schmidt (kengh@lps.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2023-05-17
Nomination description:
Julie Kreizel has left her mark on the students and staff of Lincoln Public Schools. She spent her career with LPS working as a middle school math teacher and then as the district’s Middle School Math Coordinator. As a result of her leadership and drive to ensure equitable math instruction for each and every student, middle school classrooms across the district have embraced effective mathematics teaching practices. She is a masterful instructional coach who encourages teachers to reflect on their craft and continue to learn more about sound mathematics instruction. Julie is quick with an encouraging word but also ready to challenge others when there is a need. She has been a tireless advocate for high quality mathematics instruction, leading the way by inviting others into her own classroom. She is generous with her expertise and wisdom, always willing to problem solve and brainstorm with colleagues. She has a talent for asking just the right question, pushing others to reflect and consider different perspectives. Julie’s involvement with teacher development extends beyond Lincoln Public Schools. As an instructor in UNL’s Math in the Middle program, Julie helped to increase the content and pedagogical knowledge of mathematics teachers throughout the state of Nebraska. During her career, she frequently contributed to NATM and NCTM by presenting at conferences and facilitating Math Circles. Julie spends time learning about the teaching and learning of mathematics from the best minds and most reputable sources available. She is determined to provide professional learning opportunities that highlight research-based instructional practices. She follows through with on-going support for teachers to implement these practices into their classrooms. She has the ability to inspire others to find ways to improve their craft in the same way she improves hers.
Nominee: Julie Kreizel (jkreizel@lps.org)
Nominated by: Karla Bandemer, Delise Andrews, Anne Schmidt (kengh@lps.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2023-05-17
Nomination description:
Julie Kreizel has left her mark on the students and staff of Lincoln Public Schools. She spent her career with LPS working as a middle school math teacher and then as the district’s Middle School Math Coordinator. As a result of her leadership and drive to ensure equitable math instruction for each and every student, middle school classrooms across the district have embraced effective mathematics teaching practices. She is a masterful instructional coach who encourages teachers to reflect on their craft and continue to learn more about sound mathematics instruction. Julie is quick with an encouraging word but also ready to challenge others when there is a need. She has been a tireless advocate for high quality mathematics instruction, leading the way by inviting others into her own classroom. She is generous with her expertise and wisdom, always willing to problem solve and brainstorm with colleagues. She has a talent for asking just the right question, pushing others to reflect and consider different perspectives. Julie’s involvement with teacher development extends beyond Lincoln Public Schools. As an instructor in UNL’s Math in the Middle program, Julie helped to increase the content and pedagogical knowledge of mathematics teachers throughout the state of Nebraska. During her career, she frequently contributed to NATM and NCTM by presenting at conferences and facilitating Math Circles. Julie spends time learning about the teaching and learning of mathematics from the best minds and most reputable sources available. She is determined to provide professional learning opportunities that highlight research-based instructional practices. She follows through with on-going support for teachers to implement these practices into their classrooms. She has the ability to inspire others to find ways to improve their craft in the same way she improves hers.
Nominated by: Karla Bandemer, Delise Andrews, Anne Schmidt (kengh@lps.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2023-05-17
Nomination description:
Julie Kreizel has left her mark on the students and staff of Lincoln Public Schools. She spent her career with LPS working as a middle school math teacher and then as the district’s Middle School Math Coordinator. As a result of her leadership and drive to ensure equitable math instruction for each and every student, middle school classrooms across the district have embraced effective mathematics teaching practices. She is a masterful instructional coach who encourages teachers to reflect on their craft and continue to learn more about sound mathematics instruction. Julie is quick with an encouraging word but also ready to challenge others when there is a need. She has been a tireless advocate for high quality mathematics instruction, leading the way by inviting others into her own classroom. She is generous with her expertise and wisdom, always willing to problem solve and brainstorm with colleagues. She has a talent for asking just the right question, pushing others to reflect and consider different perspectives. Julie’s involvement with teacher development extends beyond Lincoln Public Schools. As an instructor in UNL’s Math in the Middle program, Julie helped to increase the content and pedagogical knowledge of mathematics teachers throughout the state of Nebraska. During her career, she frequently contributed to NATM and NCTM by presenting at conferences and facilitating Math Circles. Julie spends time learning about the teaching and learning of mathematics from the best minds and most reputable sources available. She is determined to provide professional learning opportunities that highlight research-based instructional practices. She follows through with on-going support for teachers to implement these practices into their classrooms. She has the ability to inspire others to find ways to improve their craft in the same way she improves hers.
Nominee: Mitchell L Fricke (mlfricke@mpsomaha.org)
Nominated by: Mitchell L Fricke (mlfricke@mpsomaha.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2023-02-08
Nomination description:
Some lists of achievements and work are: - 2023 PAEMST Nominee. - IB Math Teacher at Millard North High where I have went on to work with others across the US in training. - Tutor Mathematics through Nebraska Methodist College\'s Upward Bound Program - Current and Active Adjunct at Metropolitan Community College. - Working on EdD through UNL.
Nominated by: Mitchell L Fricke (mlfricke@mpsomaha.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2023-02-08
Nomination description:
Some lists of achievements and work are: - 2023 PAEMST Nominee. - IB Math Teacher at Millard North High where I have went on to work with others across the US in training. - Tutor Mathematics through Nebraska Methodist College\'s Upward Bound Program - Current and Active Adjunct at Metropolitan Community College. - Working on EdD through UNL.
Nominee: Rachel Mulder (rachel.mulder@ops.org)
Nominated by: Jackson Jensen (jensenjackson09@gmail.com)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2023-05-16
Nomination description:
Ms. Mulder is one of the hardest working educators that I\'ve met. She is constantly thinking about ways to better support her students and show them that she cares about them as a whole, not just academically. Her students love her and she pushes them to excel. She\'s been teaching math for 9 years (Algebra 1/2, Precalculus, and Geometry) and she helps her students develop a love for the subject. During the pandemic years, she was one the few teachers able to make it work and her children didn\'t fall behind. I think this, in and of itself, is a huge accomplishment but she has used what she learned in that time to develop new strategies that support all learners by utilizing technology. She continues to learn and enhance her teaching through continued education and was certified in ESL last year and is working on her Technology Leadership certification currently. I strongly recommend her for this award. Thank you for your consideration.
Nominated by: Jackson Jensen (jensenjackson09@gmail.com)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2023-05-16
Nomination description:
Ms. Mulder is one of the hardest working educators that I\'ve met. She is constantly thinking about ways to better support her students and show them that she cares about them as a whole, not just academically. Her students love her and she pushes them to excel. She\'s been teaching math for 9 years (Algebra 1/2, Precalculus, and Geometry) and she helps her students develop a love for the subject. During the pandemic years, she was one the few teachers able to make it work and her children didn\'t fall behind. I think this, in and of itself, is a huge accomplishment but she has used what she learned in that time to develop new strategies that support all learners by utilizing technology. She continues to learn and enhance her teaching through continued education and was certified in ESL last year and is working on her Technology Leadership certification currently. I strongly recommend her for this award. Thank you for your consideration.
Nominee: Andrew Bachman (abachman@leigh.esu7.org)
Nominated by: Andrew Faltys (afaltys@leigh.esu7.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2023-05-22
Nomination description:
Mr. Andy Bachman has gone above and beyond in and out of his classroom. He is one of the reasons for our JH MTSS program. He spearheaded this program and it went fantastic. He teaches from 6th grade math to High School calculus so he has put his time in to make sure he can push his students to their full potential. He is constantly talking with students about their future plans because colleges want calculus during their high school years. He is just an overall good guy. He wants what is best for his students and it is very evident. Thank You!
Nominated by: Andrew Faltys (afaltys@leigh.esu7.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2023-05-22
Nomination description:
Mr. Andy Bachman has gone above and beyond in and out of his classroom. He is one of the reasons for our JH MTSS program. He spearheaded this program and it went fantastic. He teaches from 6th grade math to High School calculus so he has put his time in to make sure he can push his students to their full potential. He is constantly talking with students about their future plans because colleges want calculus during their high school years. He is just an overall good guy. He wants what is best for his students and it is very evident. Thank You!
Nominee: Emma Thede (ethede@dtcardinals.org)
Nominated by: Michaela Goracke (mgoracke@dtcardinals.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2023-02-28
Nomination description:
This letter is the easiest recommendation letter I have ever had the opportunity to write! I have had the privilege of knowing Ms. Thede for two years, as she teacher here at Doniphan-Trumbull High School. I knew that Ms. Thede was a teacher that I wanted to have in our building very quickly. Her professionalism, compassion, and excitement for teaching was evident from the first phone call and she has continued to exude those qualities throughout her two years of teaching and coaching Varsity Girls Basketball. Ms. Thede creates innovative lesson plans that use effective teaching and student engagement strategies. There hasn’t been a lesson that I have observed that she doesn’t have students truly working collaboratively and not just group work. They are solving problems, reflecting on their work, and holding each other accountable for their portion of the task. Students are challenged to find solutions and work through problems before asking for assistance from the teacher. She is building their confidence and self-efficacy in their ability to tackle hard things Emma is innovative in how she checks for understanding and assess students. Her focus is truly about the learning, not about the grade. SInce this is a practice she has fully embraced, I asked her to pilot a new grading process that we are learning about this year, and implementing next year. She has done a beautiful job of communicating with parents what expectations are and having students take ownership of what they need to do to learn. She has had students send videos to parents about what is happening in the classroom and is constantly looking for innovative ways to increase the teacher-parent communication. Many young teachers struggle with professionalism, Ms. Thede exudes it! She is one of the first teachers in the building ready to help kids, and usually one of the last. She handles herself with grace in all things in the classroom, and earned the respect of her fellow teachers very quickly because of her classroom management and willingness to help. She has been able to build strong relationships with students who are only a few years younger than she is, but has never let that cloud her judgment in expectations of them. If there ever was a teacher deserving of this honor, Emma Thede is IT. If I still had children in school, I would want her to be their teacher and I can’t wait until she is able to have student teachers so she can help prepare more excellent teachers who put kids first - always. Please reach out if you have any questions - she is truly a remarkable teacher and she is an incredible representative of the teaching profession.
Nominated by: Michaela Goracke (mgoracke@dtcardinals.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2023-02-28
Nomination description:
This letter is the easiest recommendation letter I have ever had the opportunity to write! I have had the privilege of knowing Ms. Thede for two years, as she teacher here at Doniphan-Trumbull High School. I knew that Ms. Thede was a teacher that I wanted to have in our building very quickly. Her professionalism, compassion, and excitement for teaching was evident from the first phone call and she has continued to exude those qualities throughout her two years of teaching and coaching Varsity Girls Basketball. Ms. Thede creates innovative lesson plans that use effective teaching and student engagement strategies. There hasn’t been a lesson that I have observed that she doesn’t have students truly working collaboratively and not just group work. They are solving problems, reflecting on their work, and holding each other accountable for their portion of the task. Students are challenged to find solutions and work through problems before asking for assistance from the teacher. She is building their confidence and self-efficacy in their ability to tackle hard things Emma is innovative in how she checks for understanding and assess students. Her focus is truly about the learning, not about the grade. SInce this is a practice she has fully embraced, I asked her to pilot a new grading process that we are learning about this year, and implementing next year. She has done a beautiful job of communicating with parents what expectations are and having students take ownership of what they need to do to learn. She has had students send videos to parents about what is happening in the classroom and is constantly looking for innovative ways to increase the teacher-parent communication. Many young teachers struggle with professionalism, Ms. Thede exudes it! She is one of the first teachers in the building ready to help kids, and usually one of the last. She handles herself with grace in all things in the classroom, and earned the respect of her fellow teachers very quickly because of her classroom management and willingness to help. She has been able to build strong relationships with students who are only a few years younger than she is, but has never let that cloud her judgment in expectations of them. If there ever was a teacher deserving of this honor, Emma Thede is IT. If I still had children in school, I would want her to be their teacher and I can’t wait until she is able to have student teachers so she can help prepare more excellent teachers who put kids first - always. Please reach out if you have any questions - she is truly a remarkable teacher and she is an incredible representative of the teaching profession.
Nominee: Taylee Nelson (tdecker@lps.org)
Nominated by: Karla Bandemer, Dr. Rik Devney (kengh@lps.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2023-05-22
Nomination description:
Taylee Decker is an outstanding candidate for Rookie of the Year. She is currently a third year teacher. I got to know Taylee as a second year teacher who had just moved from first to fourth grade. I have been impressed with her from the first time I visited her classroom. She is creative, compassionate, and centers her students in every decision she makes. She is a masterful builder of relationships with students. Her classroom is a calm, safe place where students are supported in taking risks. Taylee empowers her students to share their ideas, listen to one another, and grow as individuals. She is flexible and finds ways to make sure each and every student has a pathway for engaging meaningfully in grade level mathematics. Taylee’s commitment to professional growth is admirable. She reads professional books, invites instructional coaches into her room, tries new ideas, and asks questions. As part of her tenure class coursework, Taylee submitted written reflections about her mathematics instruction. Her high quality writing and Taylee’s thoughtful, honest reflections stood out. It was apparent from the beginning that Taylee is a teacher who is always striving to find both big and small ways to improve her instruction. Taylee has high expectations for every student in her classroom. She approaches her planning and instruction with the firm belief that every student will be able to engage with rigorous mathematics and that all of her students are capable of learning grade level math. She is not content with teaching students tricks or shortcuts; her passion lies in developing mathematical thinkers who are empowered to solve problems in the real world. As a third year teacher, Taylee wrote a manuscript for NCTM’s journal Mathematics Teacher: Learning & Teaching PK-12. Her manuscript was accepted for publication on her first submission. Her article, “Vulnerability in Our Collective Work as Educators” is scheduled to be published in the June, 2023 issue of the journal. Her principal, Dr. Rik Devney, says of Taylee, “Taylee\'s level of planning has served as a strong foundation for the academic progress students are making. She delivers instruction with a good level of clarity and precision that promotes active engagement in all areas. She has put a special focus on refining her approach to teaching mathematics by putting an emphasis on engaging scholars in a more collaborative manner. She designs instruction in a manner that fosters higher levels of thinking by putting students in position to deeply engage in collaborative conversations that are rich and meaningful. As a result, students are more authentically engaged, which builds their self confidence as mathematicians. Taylee understands the importance of building a culture for learning by having high expectations for scholars in a safe environment where students can take risks as learners. Her interactions with students set the tone for the \'norms\' of how student interactions are to occur. Her classroom is a true community of learners.”
Nominated by: Karla Bandemer, Dr. Rik Devney (kengh@lps.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2023-05-22
Nomination description:
Taylee Decker is an outstanding candidate for Rookie of the Year. She is currently a third year teacher. I got to know Taylee as a second year teacher who had just moved from first to fourth grade. I have been impressed with her from the first time I visited her classroom. She is creative, compassionate, and centers her students in every decision she makes. She is a masterful builder of relationships with students. Her classroom is a calm, safe place where students are supported in taking risks. Taylee empowers her students to share their ideas, listen to one another, and grow as individuals. She is flexible and finds ways to make sure each and every student has a pathway for engaging meaningfully in grade level mathematics. Taylee’s commitment to professional growth is admirable. She reads professional books, invites instructional coaches into her room, tries new ideas, and asks questions. As part of her tenure class coursework, Taylee submitted written reflections about her mathematics instruction. Her high quality writing and Taylee’s thoughtful, honest reflections stood out. It was apparent from the beginning that Taylee is a teacher who is always striving to find both big and small ways to improve her instruction. Taylee has high expectations for every student in her classroom. She approaches her planning and instruction with the firm belief that every student will be able to engage with rigorous mathematics and that all of her students are capable of learning grade level math. She is not content with teaching students tricks or shortcuts; her passion lies in developing mathematical thinkers who are empowered to solve problems in the real world. As a third year teacher, Taylee wrote a manuscript for NCTM’s journal Mathematics Teacher: Learning & Teaching PK-12. Her manuscript was accepted for publication on her first submission. Her article, “Vulnerability in Our Collective Work as Educators” is scheduled to be published in the June, 2023 issue of the journal. Her principal, Dr. Rik Devney, says of Taylee, “Taylee\'s level of planning has served as a strong foundation for the academic progress students are making. She delivers instruction with a good level of clarity and precision that promotes active engagement in all areas. She has put a special focus on refining her approach to teaching mathematics by putting an emphasis on engaging scholars in a more collaborative manner. She designs instruction in a manner that fosters higher levels of thinking by putting students in position to deeply engage in collaborative conversations that are rich and meaningful. As a result, students are more authentically engaged, which builds their self confidence as mathematicians. Taylee understands the importance of building a culture for learning by having high expectations for scholars in a safe environment where students can take risks as learners. Her interactions with students set the tone for the \'norms\' of how student interactions are to occur. Her classroom is a true community of learners.”