Tea Area celebrates 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists

Winner to be announced May 12

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Tea Area School District honored its dedicated educators with the announcement of the 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists.

“We proudly celebrate our Titan teachers by collaborating with the Tea Area Parent Teacher Organization (TAPTO) on the Teacher of the Year program,” said Tea Area Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Lowery. “Students, parents, community members, and staff nominated teachers throughout April.”

Nominees were judged by community representatives based on their impact on student achievement, rapport with students and parents, involvement in the community and district, and commitment to being and developing lifelong learners.

The full list of 2025 nominees includes:

Allyson Wegleitner, Amanda Pickett, Amy Lynch, Brenda Whitehead, Carley Shockman, Crystal Groeneweg, Elizabeth Qualseth, Elyssa Houtsma, Gabrielle Mahaney, Jessa Hansen, Katie Weihe, Lynsey Hoines, Miranda Olsen, Paige Thompson, Rachel Risse, Samantha Kinder, Stephanie Van De Walle, Stephanie Russett, Sydney Reedy, Tamera Adkins, and Whitney Downs.

Finalists for the prestigious award were announced on Friday, May 2.

The 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists are: Amanda Pickett, Crystal Groeneweg, Gabrielle Mahaney, and Rachel Risse.

The 2025 Teacher of the Year will be revealed during the JK-12 Graduation Awards Program, scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025, at 1:50 p.m. in the Tea Area High School gym. The event will also be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel, and the public is welcome to attend.

“Please join us in congratulating our finalists and thanking TAPTO for their support and organization,” said Dr. Lowery. “Our $2500 Tea Area Teacher of the Year sponsor is Reliabank.”

Dr. Lowery also expressed appreciation for the numerous community sponsors supporting TAPTO’s efforts, including finalist awards, the Standards of Excellence Employee of the Year recognition, and a faculty and staff appreciation lunch.

She also thanked to the 2025 Community Sponsors: American Bank and Trust, Country Acre Tree Farm, Daggett Trucking, LLC, Double H Paving, Get N Go, Fareway, Glass Doctors, Jay’s Storage, Koele Family Chiropractic, Larson Truck Sales, Pyro City, Sabers Insurance LLC, Schwartzle Construction, Sorlien Electric, Squealers Smoke Shack, Tea Veterinary Clinic, Truth and Grace Counseling, and Variable Investment Advisors.

“The community’s support and energy generated by celebrating the amazing people at Tea Area Public School District make this a great place to call home,” added Dr. Lowery. “Thank you for being a part of Titan Pride!”