Melissa Ziegler, Biomedical Science, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovations instructor at Four Rivers Career Center, has been named the School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year.
Ziegler is beginning her 19th year with the School District of Washington and 22nd year overall in education.
WINGS recognizes a teacher of the year from the School District of Washington each year. The recipient receives a check for $1,000.
“I don’t feel like a teacher of the year because I have so much more to learn about this profession,” Ziegler said. “I love my job. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I know we’re all in for a challenging year, but I’m excited and can’t wait to get started with my students.”
Ziegler is now eligible for the Regional Teacher of the Year. The Regional Teacher of the Year will then be in the running for the State Teacher of the Year.
Anyone had the opportunity to submit a nomination for the School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year.
SDOW Superintendent Dr. Lori VanLeer and a committee reviewed the nominations and submitted a group of finalists to the WINGS Board, who selected the winner.
“Melissa is an exemplary educator and a consummate professional. In order to teach the courses she does, she has completed rigorous training through Project Lead the Way. The training requires her to be away from home for two weeks while totally immersed in the curriculum she teaches in the program. The students engage at such high levels under her direction,” Ziegler’s nomination states. “She’s been an elementary teacher at Clearview, an instructional coach/curriculum coordinator, a middle school science teacher, and now works with our students in one of the most rigorous programs in the area of Biomedicine. We are lucky our students have this amazing instructor to inspire their learning experience.”
“I love teaching at the Career Center with the labs we do and having students who are passionate about learning,” Ziegler said. “It’s amazing what things can be accomplished in the classroom when you have students who are excited about being there. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to help them reach their potential.”
Melissa and her husband, Cary, have three children. Noah, 23, and Hannah 21, both are Washington High School graduates. Zoey, 14, is a freshman at WHS.
Melissa Ziegler
SDOW and WINGS Teacher of the Year
Melissa Ziegler, left, School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year, with SDOW Superintendent Dr. Lori VanLeer.
SDOW and WINGS Teacher of the Year
Melissa Ziegler, middle, School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year, with WINGS representatives Susan Harms, left, and Casey Zastrow, right.
SDOW and WINGS Teacher of the Year
Melissa Ziegler, middle, School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year, with WINGS representatives Susan Harms, left, and Casey Zastrow, right.