Madsen named Regional Teacher of the Year

LEE COUNTY - The Iowa Department of Education today announced nine teachers from across the state have been selected as the 2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year, following the inaugural 2025 Regional Teacher of the Year program. Each teacher, representing one of Iowa’s nine education regions, was chosen for their outstanding achievements in PK-12 instruction and positive impact on student outcomes and success.
The 2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year are Ashley Cardamone, Jessica Howard, Tracy Madsen, Lynne Glackin, Jana Dewhurst, Tera Bunn, Mitchel Dierickx, Roselyn Schillerstrom and Abby Goodlaxson.

“As we continue to celebrate excellence in teaching in every corner of our state, the Department is proud to recognize nine outstanding educators with the third-ever Regional Teacher of the Year designation," said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Like their dedicated colleagues across Iowa, these teachers work in partnership with families to provide every child with what they need to meet high expectations and realize their incredible potential. Alongside their school communities, we congratulate and thank each of Iowa’s 2027 Regional Teachers of the Year for choosing this honored profession, putting students at the center of all they do.”
Nominations for the 2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year were received earlier this year from educators, administrators, students, families and other community members. In partnership with teachers and education leaders across Iowa, the nine regional teachers were selected to represent a variety of schools, grade levels, endorsements and pathways to the teaching profession. Collectively, the teachers represent a broad range of subject areas, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Fine Arts, Business and Computer Science, Physical Education and Health, and Early Childhood Education. As Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year, they advance as finalists for the 2027 Iowa Teacher of the Year award, to be announced later this fall.
Established in 1958, the prestigious Teacher of the Year award honors an Iowa teacher who advances student learning through evidence-based instruction, empowers students with multiple pathways to postsecondary success, invests in fellow educators and serves students in partnership with families. Iowa’s Regional Teacher of the Year Program was established in 2024 for the 2025 designations to ensure Iowa is celebrating and recognizing outstanding teachers who are making a difference in local communities across Iowa.