For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Dustin Anderson, an elementary art teacher in the Wisconsin Rapids Public School District, was recognized as a 2023 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year in a surprise ceremony Grant Elementary School on May 13.

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly, along with students and school staff, presented Anderson with the honor at the surprise ceremony.

“Anderson has a passion for art and uses it to help students and the community learn and grow. Grant Elementary Principal Nicole Calteux credited Anderson for being a leader in the district, working tirelessly to provide the best education for every student,” a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction release stated.

“In 2020, Anderson was selected as Wisconsin Elementary Art Educator of the Year by the Wisconsin Art Education Association and represented fellow educators on the organization’s board. In the role, he coordinated and assisted with professional development opportunities for teachers across the state and provided valuable insight and suggestions.”

Anderson was recognized along with: Kaelee Heideman, school counselor at Carl Traeger Elementary School, Oshkosh Area School District; Sarah Kopplin, geography teacher at Shorewood Intermediate School, Shorewood School District; Lori Danz, biology teacher and school forest coordinator at Superior High School, School District of Superior; and Peggy Billing, library media specialist at Lakeland Union High School, Lakeland Union High School District.

The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce will award the first Golden Leaf Professional Staff/Teacher of the Year recipients on May 18. See the May 25 print edition for more information.