The 2013-14 Dubuque Community School District Teacher of the Year was named at the annual Educators’ Recognition Dinner on May 8, hosted by the school district and the Dubuque Education Association.

Kate Riepe, an English teacher at Hempstead High School, was selected for the honor. Outside of the classroom, she is also a theater director and speech coach at the school.

“Because she brings valuable tools to the classroom, students enjoy learning and…are more likely to be engaged and actively participate,” said one of her nominators. “She works diligently to succeed. She is passionate about teaching.”

Other finalists for the Teacher of the Year Award were:

  • Doug Bausch, a social studies and language arts teacher at Jefferson Middle School
  • Tim Ebeling, a language arts teacher at Washington Middle School
  • Brad Fautsch, an art teacher at Senior High School
  • Michelle Hunt, an English teacher at Hempstead High School
  • Erin Kennedy, an early childhood/special education teacher at Prescott Elementary School
  • Lisa Lueken, a graduation coach at the Alternative Learning Center
  • Amy Mozena, a media/technology coach at Washington Middle School
  • Sara Runde, a first-grade teacher at Marshall Elementary School
  • Angie Wessels, a social studies teacher at Senior High School

At the dinner, two other special awards were presented. Dan Merritt, assistant principal at Senior High School, received the TEAM (Together Educators and Administrators Make-it-happen) Award presented to an administrator for exemplary support of teacher success. During the search for Senior’s principal following the move of the former principal to the district office, Merritt volunteered to serve in the role on an interim basis to provide leadership while the search was conducted.

Joann Lueken, who retired this year as manager of payroll and benefits for the district, received the Friend of Education Award. Lueken served in the Dubuque Community School District for over 46 years, likely making her one of the longest-tenured employees ever in the district. She started in 1967 and became payroll manager in 1975. Throughout her career, Joann touched the lives of countless district employees and was one of the most well-respected school district payroll managers in the state.

For more information, contact the DCSD School and Community Relations Office at (563)552-3020.

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