The Dubuque Community School District Teacher of the Year was named at the annual Educators’ Recognition Reception on May 8, hosted by the Dubuque Education Association.
Kelly Eigenberger, a Title I reading teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, was selected for the honor.
Eigenberger has spent her entire career at Lincoln and is currently serving as a Title I reading teacher at the school. She joined the district in 2006, serving as a multicategorical special education teacher from 2006 to 2012. From 2012 to 2015, she served as a special education coach and from 2015 to 2024 was a special education teacher, both at Lincoln. Eigenberger holds a bachelor of arts in education degree and a master of arts in education degree, both from Clarke University in Dubuque.
“[Kelly] consistently goes above and beyond to create resources that accommodate our curriculum. Her efforts provide our students with the scaffolds they need to succeed and build their confidence,” said a colleague who nominated Eigenberger. “[She] truly cares about each and every child. She is always looking at the whole child. She builds relationships by allowing students to join her for lunch in her classroom. She is always a smiling face in the hallway each and every morning. The students truly look forward to her being in our classroom. Her positive attitude and outlook are contagious…”
Other finalists for the Teacher of the Year Award were:
- Nancy Berendes, a kindergarten teacher at Kennedy Elementary School
- Glenda Davis, a science teacher at Hempstead High School
- Chad Hamilton, an instructional coach at Bryant Elementary School
- Tammie Harbin, a health and wellness teacher at Sageville and Eisenhower Elementary Schools
- Amy Palm, eighth-grade math teacher at Roosevelt Middle School
- Jake Rheingans, a career technical education teacher at Hempstead High School
- Karen Rothert, a sixth-grade math teacher at Washington Middle School
- Emily Schrader, a second-grade teacher at Audubon Elementary School
- Wendy Winger, a sixth-grade science teacher at Roosevelt Middle School
Also at the event:
Jefferson Middle School Principal Greg Lehman received the TEAM (Together Educators and Administrators Make-it-happen) Award presented to an administrator for exemplary support of teacher success. Lehman’s nomination notes his exceptional leadership and advocacy for staff, students and families. The nomination points to Lehman establishing a culture of safety and camaraderie at Jefferson; promoting staff collaboration and valuing their input; and creating systems that allow staff to grow and contribute meaningfully.