Excellence in Education Awards
At the Newton Community Educational Foundation (NCEF), we believe that exceptional teaching transforms lives. The Excellence in Education Awards celebrate the dedication, creativity, and passion of Newton Community School District educators who go above and beyond to inspire their students.
Each year, NCEF proudly honors outstanding teachers and staff whose commitment to excellence enriches classrooms and strengthens our community. These awards shine a spotlight on the educators who spark curiosity, encourage achievement, and make a lasting difference in the lives of children.
This recognition is more than an award—it’s a celebration of the heart of education: the people who devote themselves to helping students thrive. By honoring excellence, we reaffirm our mission to support innovative learning and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
🏆 Nominate Today
Do you know an educator who deserves to be recognized? Help us celebrate their impact by submitting a nomination for the Excellence in Education Awards.
2025 Excellence in Education Recipients
| Year | Name | School |
| 2025 | Malissa Munger | Emerson Hough |
| 2025 | Holly Clayton | Emerson Hough |
| 2025 | Dawn Lucas | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2025 | Jessica Cole | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2025 | Dalton Pauley | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2025 | Mindy Roorda | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2025 | Elisa Rooda | YMCA Preschool |
| 2025 | Katelyn Elscott | Newton High School |
| 2025 | Jodi Morgan-Peters | Newton High School |
| 2025 | Nicky Lampe | Berg Middle School |
| 2025 | Cooper Heath | Berg Middle School |
| 2025 | Erin Bright | WEST Academy |
| Year | Name | School |
| 2024 | Haley Jenkins | YMCA Preschool |
| 2024 | Nicole Shanahan | Aurora Heights |
| 2024 | Amy Bowen | Emerson Hough |
| 2024 | Jensen Pauley | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2024 | LaNita Keeton | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2024 | Seth Banwell | Berg Middle School |
| 2024 | Taylor Dydell | Berg Middle School |
| 2024 | RJ Brown | Newton High School |
| 2024 | Adam Kallal | Newton High School |
| 2024 | Judy Nissly | WEST Academy |
| 2024 | Zac Plank | WEST Academy |
| 2024 | Jennifer Flake | Above and Beyond Award |
| 2024 | Tara Zehr | Above and Beyond Award |
| 2023 | Lea Kunkel | Aurora Heights Elementary |
| 2023 | William Edgar | Berg Middle School |
| 2023 | Donny Fitzgerald | Berg Middle School |
| 2023 | Trey Vanderlaan | Emerson Hough |
| 2023 | Brian Cleveland | Newton High School |
| 2023 | James Horn | Newton High School |
| 2023 | Zac Plank | WEST Academy |
| 2023 | Lucas Warner | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2022 | Alyse Bretthauer | Aurora Heights |
| 2022 | Mary Bartels | Emerson Hough |
| 2022 | Denise Townsend | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2022 | Kara Avis | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2022 | Andrew Kuker | Berg Middle School |
| 2022 | Lori Gilmore | Newton High School |
| 2022 | Katie Byrum | West Academy |
| 2021 | Judy Nissly | WEST Academy |
| 2021 | Hannah Scotton | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2021 | Dallas VanderPol | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2021 | Jaybe Freese | Berg Middle School |
| 2021 | JoEllen Linn | Berg Middle School |
| 2021 | Jennifer Norvel | Thomas Jefferson Elementary |
| 2021 | Alisha Calow | Emerson Hough Elementary |
| 2021 | Jennifer Jensen | Aurora Heights Elementary |
| 2021 | Molly Kremer | Aurora Heights Elementary |
| 2021 | Ashley Carter | Newton High School |
| 2021 | Sarah Patterson | Newton High School |
| 2020 | Chase Dickinson | Berg Middle School |
| 2020 | Emilee Brisel | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2020 | Philip Calvin | WEST Academy |
| 2020 | Brooke Kuker | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2020 | Andrea Hogeland | Newton High School |
| 2020 | Lora Caves | Aurora Heights Elementary |
| 2020 | Miranda Bratland | Emerson Hough Elementary |
| 2020 | The Brody Family | Above and Beyond Award |
| 2019 | Tracey Swanson | WEST Academy |
| 2019 | Taylor Marsho | Aurora Heights |
| 2019 | Sara Shockey | Emerson Hough |
| 2019 | Melissa Bennett | Thomas Jefferson Elementary |
| 2019 | Gary Larsson | Berg Middle School |
| 2019 | Doree Ward | Newton High School |
| 2018 | Todd Lucas | Newton High School |
| 2018 | Kristi Peters | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2018 | Paula Lureman | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2018 | Meggan Machin | Emerson Hough |
| 2018 | Brian Springer | WEST Academy |
| 2018 | Denny Klingensmith | Above and Beyond Award |
| 2017 | Ann Nelson | Above and Beyond |
| 2017 | Jo Ellen Linn | Berg Middle School |
| 2017 | Melissa Sommars | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2017 | Pat Riley | Newton High School |
| 2017 | Ryan Comer | WEST Academy |
| 2017 | Susan Sheeks | Aurora Heights |
| 2016 | Jayne Freese | Aurora Heights |
| 2016 | Kathy Ventling | Basics and Beyond |
| 2016 | Krysten Osby | Berg Elementary |
| 2016 | Niki Hively | Newton High School |
| 2016 | Megan Frehse | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2016 | Doug Smith | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2016 | Karen King | Above and Beyond |
| 2015 | Deborah Rose | Berg Middle School |
| 2015 | Jen Elbert | Berg Elementary |
| 2015 | Kim Vanderlaan | Aurora Heights |
| 2015 | Desia Kies | Newton High School |
| 2015 | Marla Coy | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2015 | Cori Latcham | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2015 | Alyssa Lewis | Newton High School |
| 2015 | Scott Garvis | NHS-Above and Beyond |
| 2014 | Mary Bartels | Berg Elementary |
| 2014 | Mike Castings | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2014 | Marlene Huggins | Aurora Heights |
| 2014 | Amy Jolivette | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2014 | Shelly Fitzgerald | Berg Middle School |
| 2014 | Sarah Patterson | Newton High School |
| 2013 | Michelle Modlin | Aurora Heights |
| 2013 | Tami Smith | Berg Elementary |
| 2013 | Jamie Cranston | Emerson Hough |
| 2013 | Deb Stoulil | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2013 | Linda Sinclair | Thomas Jefferson |
| 2013 | Donna Fitzgerald | Berg Middle School |
| 2013 | Jody Smith | Newton High School |
| 2013 | Charlet Daft | Basics and Beyond |