Keokuk High School science teacher Kimberly Pfeiferling was surprised today when her name was announced as the Keokuk Community School District (KCSD) Teacher of the Year at an assembly on Nov. 25 at KHS.
Pfeiferling was nominated because she is dedicated and cares about the students by putting her heart and soul into her teaching. She is also involved in the community and extracurricular activities at the school. The KCSD nominating committee went on to say that her passion for teaching students science allows the students to excel in mastering the content.
“I just want to thank the kids, you are why I come to work everyday, I truly do love my job,” Pfeiferling said. “I love working in Keokuk and I’m very proud to be a part of Keokuk.”
This year, like the last more than 30 years, a KCSD committee went through the process to nominate a Teacher of the Year candidate in the KCSD. The committee membership varies, but is composed of representatives from the community, students, administrators, as well as past recipients.
Every year the Iowa Department of Education nominates one candidate from Iowa for the national Teacher of the Year distinction and each school district may nominate an individual for state consideration, Pfeiferling is the KCSD candidate for state consideration. To be equitable to all grade levels, the Keokuk Teacher of the Year is selected on a rotating basis of elementary and secondary, with this year’s rotation landing on secondary.
The public and district were asked to nominate candidates with specific examples that demonstrate each educator’s best qualities. Each nomination was submitted on a form and supporting letters from parents, peers, students, and members of the community demonstrating the involvement and impact the nominee has had on education were accepted.
For more information on the Iowa Teacher of the Year award, go to https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/award-exchange-programs/iowa-teacher-year.
