On this page...
2027 Iowa TOY Jessica Howard
Jessica Howard, a 10-year business and computer science teacher at Lone Tree Community School District who advances career-connected learning, is the 2027 Iowa Teacher of the Year.
See photos and video from the announcement event.
Howard started her career in industry and then switched to the teaching profession, leveraging multiple pathways to education to bring more than a decade of business experience into the classroom.
“Jessica Howard goes beyond teaching content by helping students become solution-oriented, active problem solvers, and that’s exactly how we prepare the next generation with durable skills that will serve them long after graduation,” Governor Reynolds said. “She uses hands-on learning to prepare students to succeed in Iowa’s high-demand, high-skill and high-wage jobs, teaching from a place of real-world experience. This is what exceptional teaching looks like and I am grateful for teachers like Jessica who help prepare Iowa students for success.”
The Iowa Teacher of the Year award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and who have made a significant impact on student outcomes and their fellow educators. Howard was selected from nine finalists who were recently named as Iowa’s Regional Teachers of Year, representing all education regions of the state. Howard also serves as the Grant Wood Regional Teacher of the Year.
“Jessica, who changed careers from business to education a decade ago, knows firsthand the importance of empowering all learners with multiple pathways to postsecondary success,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Now, with the support of incredible educators like Jessica and their industry partners, nearly 60% of students are attaining a work-based learning experience while in high school. Every day, Jessica works as an education entrepreneur to change lives, empower her community and strengthen her local economy, and we are proud to congratulate her with this honor.”
Iowa has seen remarkable growth in work-based learning attainment, with more students than ever graduating high school with business and industry experience. Nearly 60% of Iowa high school seniors from the class of 2026 achieved a high-quality work-based learning experience while in high school—up more than 33 percentage points with an over 131% rate of increase over the last three years.
“My approach to teaching, especially when it comes to business and career and technical education, is to make it real-life focused,” 2027 Iowa Teacher of the Year Howard said. “If I am teaching something, it has to have real-life implications that prepare students for the world they are going to live and work in. I see my students as capable, compassionate, dedicated members of our community, and in turn, they start to see it in themselves and produce the solutions that are needed.”
Howard is dedicated to expanding learning opportunities for students, through her roles as a concurrent enrollment course instructor in partnership with Kirkwood Community College, adviser for the school district’s chapters for National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America, and coach of Lone Tree’s state champion esports team. She is an inaugural participant in the Department’s innovative, new Work-Based Learning Endorsement Leadership and Investment for the Field (WBL-LIFT) grant that strengthens work-based learning educator pipelines. She is also a recipient of the Department’s Computer Science Educator Endorsement grant that provides tuition reimbursement for Iowa teachers seeking computer science endorsements and authorizations.
Prior to becoming a teacher through the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) program, Howard worked in the private sector at Lee Enterprises and U.S. Cellular. She is also a former Iowa STEM Teacher Award recipient and has participated in multiple Iowa STEM Externship Program opportunities that paired her with local business and industry partners to further advance career-connected learning in her community.
“I have had multiple students turn their business plans into reality—a coffee shop, a landscaping company, a coaching and mentorship program, a digital marketing company,” said Howard. “I have been very lucky in my various careers to create a network of support so that I can pass that support to my students. I push my students outside of their comfort zones, but I am also there to support them as they need it.”
Howard helps students further explore their interests and discover careers through creating opportunities for students to develop and pitch their business plans to community leaders. She also creates community events that showcase industry opportunities, postsecondary institutions and the military.
Back to top2027 Reginal Teachers of the Year
Central Rivers Regional Teacher of the Year
Ashley Cardamone, Cedar Falls Community School District
Cardamone, a secondary art teacher at Cedar Falls Community School District’s Holmes Junior High, has 15 years of experience engaging students in art education, both in secondary and postsecondary classes. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Master of Art Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa, where she is also a candidate for an Advanced Studies Certificate in Educational Leadership. Cardamone believes that all students can learn at high levels no matter their artistic experience and she supports each student as they build skills, generate and develop ideas, create original artwork and reflect on their learning. She has also taught undergraduate courses for preservice art teachers and graduate courses for practicing art teachers. Outside of art education, she has also served as a coordinator for afterschool programming and is a member of the school’s Building Leadership Team. Cardamone is a past recipient of several awards for outstanding teaching, including the University of Northern Iowa’s Yager Exemplary Teaching Recognition Award. Whether in the classroom or at an afterschool program, Cardamone prioritizes engaging students in authentic learning.
Grant Wood Regional Teacher of the Year
Jessica Howard, Lone Tree Community School District
Howard has served as a middle school and high school business and computer science teacher at Lone Tree Community School District for the past 10 years, now serving on the district leadership team. She works hard to expand opportunities for students, including as concurrent enrollment course instructor in partnership with Kirkwood Community College, adviser for the school district’s chapters for National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America, and coach of Lone Tree’s state champion esports team. She has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Upper Iowa University, a Master of Teaching and Learning degree from the University of Iowa and a computer science certificate from the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Virginia. Prior to becoming a teacher through the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) program, Howard worked in the private sector at Lee Enterprises and U.S. Cellular. Howard is a former Iowa STEM Teacher Award recipient and has participated in Iowa STEM Externship Program opportunities that paired her with local business and industry partners to advance career-connected learning in her community.
Great Prairie Regional Teacher of the Year
Tracy Madsen, Central Lee Community School District
Madsen, head director of music at Central Lee Community School District, has two decades of experience in music education. He provides leadership for the instrumental music department for grades 5-12 and the vocal music department for grades 7-12, overseeing curriculum, programming, and student development. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Iowa Wesleyan College and has worked extensively to prepare music programs for national and international performances in notable events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, the 75th commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the President’s Cup National High School Concert Band Invitational in Washington, D.C. At Central Lee, Madsen has strengthened the rigor and relevance of the music program while emphasizing student-centered leadership opportunities. Madsen has also been recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Southeast District Choral Educator by the Iowa Choral Directors Association and was named the Central Lee Teacher of the Year in 2025. For the past three consecutive years, the Central Lee Community School District has been awarded the National Association of Music Merchants Best Communities for Music Education Award.
Green Hills Regional Teacher of the Year
Lynne Glackin, Woodbine Community School District
Glackin, an elementary education teacher, is in her 25th year of teaching at Woodbine Community School District where she currently teaches third grade, leading the math and science curriculum. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Drake University. Glackin prioritizes personalized learning and creating a classroom environment focused on growth, mastery and student ownership of their learning. In this work she makes sure that her students understand that learning is a process and part of that process is supporting each other and learning from mistakes. In support of student growth, she participates in Professional Learning Communities with her colleagues to regularly review student data to inform and adjust individualized student instruction and support where needed. Beyond the classroom, Glackin serves on the district’s leadership team and also mentors her peers in curriculum implementation and student behavior support. She is committed to being a positive influence in her students’ lives throughout their entire educational experience and beyond.
Heartland Regional Teacher of the Year
Jana Dewhurst, Johnston Community School District
Dewhurst, a veteran early childhood educator at Johnston Community School District’s Wallace Elementary School, has more than 30 years of experience working with young children and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Teaching Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, with a special education option, from Iowa State University. Dewhurst is passionate about creating an engaging classroom where every student feels seen, safe, and valued. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes strong cognitive, physical, and behavioral development through meaningful, hands-on learning and discovery. She believes that meeting students where they are and ensuring they feel cared for are essential to learning. Dewhurst also views student success as a collaborative effort and works to build strong, trusting partnerships with parents and caregivers. She considers her classroom a community of learners with shared expectations and responsibilities. Throughout her career, Dewhurst has remained committed to helping Iowa’s youngest learners explore, grow, build confidence, and develop the skills they need for future success.
Keystone Regional Teacher of the Year
Tera Bunn, Oelwein Community School District
Bunn, who is beginning her first year as a PK–4 instructional coach and interventionist at Oelwein Community School District, brings 30 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She previously taught preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, and Title I reading. Bunn earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University, with endorsements in reading, early childhood, and coaching, and a Master of General Education from Viterbo University. A lifelong learner, Bunn actively collaborates with colleagues, shares instructional strategies, and mentors new teachers. She has served on several district committees, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and the building leadership team. Bunn is also involved in PAWSitively Oelwein, which supports the use of comfort dogs in schools to promote safe and healthy learning environments. Beyond the school day, she participates in the Husky Adventures afterschool program, youth summer theatre camp, and STEM and literacy family nights. Bunn believes strong connections, both inside and outside the classroom, are essential to student success.
Mississippi Bend Regional Teacher of the Year
Mitchel Dierickx, Davenport Community School District
Dierickx, a first grade teacher at Davenport Community School District’s Madison Elementary School, has spent the past nine years creating a positive learning environment and supporting the growth of young learners. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and is expected to complete a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University later this year. Dierickx is a teacher leader in his school and district, serving on the Building Student Assessment Team, leading the first grade Professional Learning Community, and serving as a model teacher in lesson structure, instructional planning, and student behavior management. He also co-advises student council and serves as a staff representative for the Parent-Teacher Organization. In 2025, he was named an inaugural recipient of Davenport’s Heart of Excellence Award. Dierickx credits data-driven instruction, strong relationships, and collaboration with colleagues for his success. He believes all students can achieve at high levels when supported by high expectations, strong instruction, and a caring, supportive environment.
Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year
Roselyn Schillerstrom, West Lyon Community School District
Schillerstrom, an English language arts teacher at West Lyon High School, has been enthusiastically teaching and working with students for 30 years. She believes that effective research and writing build critical thinking skills and help students understand the power of language in lifelong learning and in everyday life. Schillerstrom has a bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Sioux Falls and a Master in Educational Leadership and Development degree from Southwest Minnesota State University. She has served in many leadership roles in her district, including as an instructional coach providing district-wide professional development, as a student teacher mentor, and in her current role as the Professional Development Coordinator with expertise in research-based classroom practices and building collaboration with colleagues. She is a trusted colleague among her peers and consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching through her ability to engage students and create a classroom where all learners feel valued and challenged.
Prairie Lakes Regional Teacher of the Year
Abby Goodlaxson, Okoboji Community School District
Goodlaxson, a physical education and health teacher at Okoboji Community School District, has spent the past 27 years empowering students through fitness and wellness activities. She has dedicated her career to fostering high-energy learning environments centered on self-discovery, physical activity enjoyment and healthy habits that set students up for long-term success. Goodlaxson has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Morningside University, with endorsements in PE, health education and coaching. She has been instrumental in designing the district’s Unified PE and Adventure PE curricula, which supports physical education for every learner and incorporates outdoor experiential challenges to build teamwork. Her goal is to provide a space where students feel supported in stepping outside of their comfort zones and that they leave her class with the resiliency to try new activities. Goodlaxson has been recognized at the state, regional and national levels, including by the former Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAPHERD) and as the SHAPE America Central District Teacher of the Year. She was one of six finalists for the SHAPE National Teacher of the Year in 2017.
Back to top