The Great Eight: Our 2025 Staff Award Winners Make ISD the Best Place to Learn, Grow and Live

A physical therapist; a longtime football and hockey coach; a beloved multilingual teacher and a social worker who has welcomed hundreds to our District. These are the recipients of the 2024-2025 Staff Awards - eight members of our more than 2,300 staff and “family” members who volunteer their time, perfect their craft, influence others and change lives daily. 

“There are always dozens who are deserving, so this is a fun, but difficult process,” said Superintendent Andy Almos. “But, it’s really the best, isn’t it? It’s special to get to recognize these people for who they are and what they do for our District and, most importantly, for our kids.” 

Here’s a look at this year’s eight winners:

Early Education Teacher of the Year: Lisa Laehn

Position: Early Childhood Social Worker

What her nomination(s) said: She is able to read her students well and determine what kinds of activities/ strategies would be best for them that day. She knows when to bring calming activities and when they are ready for something different. She works directly with students teaching them strategies they can use to help calm/ cope/ regulate and she also meets weekly with teachers to help them support these same students.  One thing that I have noticed this year is that she really is focused on the mental health status of our teachers/ providers and not only our students. She is such a great listener and offers advice/ support in ways that feel comforting, validating and non judgemental.  She is unique in the sense that she’s preparing students but staff as well.

Districtwide Staff of the Year: Jim Petters

Position: Physical Therapist (working with special education students) 

What his nomination(s) said: This person’s ability to motivate a child is almost magical! Jim’s zest for his personal growth is something you just can't learn how to do. His education in their craft and His personality combine to do such great things. Above all, he always brings such a positive attitude to work each day. He truly is a kid at heart and it shows everyday in his work with his students. He loves being so involved and is always willing to do anything for the team.  

Staff Member of the Year: Jody Durene Dill

Position: Supervision Assistant and Para - Prairie View Middle School 

What her nomination(s) said: This nominee goes out of the way to make sure students are welcomed and feel accepted during the school day. They make everyone feel valued. 

She has become a safe space for the students who need extra love and attention at our building. I constantly have students asking if they can check-in with her. She genuinely loves these kids - she assures them when they're filled with self doubt, and is “their calm” when their day is filled with storms. She sees these students as kids first and loves them for who they are, no matter where they are in life. 

Coach of the Year: Ben Gustafson
Position(s): hockey and football assistant coach, Salk MS physical ed teacher

What the nominator(s) said about them: Coach encourages kindness towards others, inclusiveness, and accountability on and off the field.  When talking with community members, there are so many students and players who have been impacted positively by Coach and continue to keep in touch with him. He is a positive role model to both his students and athletes.  He exhibits leadership in his actions, the way he promotes positivity, and accountability.  Every summer he leads a book club with his players on leadership.  I have heard from many players how this has positively impacted their life and not just when playing their sport. 

Volunteer of the Year: Wendy Boucher

Position: Dog handler extraordinaire

What the nominator(s) said about them:  By offering emotional support, they help build a community where mental health is prioritized and where people feel supported and empowered to face their challenges. This aligns with our mission to promote mental and emotional well-being for individuals of all ages. They embody the very spirit of selflessness and kindness, and their contributions to our community have left an indelible impact. On top of that, this person and her team have heard more “awwwwwws” than anyone in the District. Without a doubt. 

Elementary Teacher of the Year: Laura Dockendorf

Position: Grade 4 Teacher, Rogers Elementary 

What the nominator(s) said about them: She helps mentor new teachers as they come into the grade-level, both at RES and other at district meetings.  She wants to share her knowledge and understanding, and she shares in a way that doesn't feel forced.  She also helps show leadership on the STEM team, and encourages other teachers to build on the innovative science ideas that will engage our young learners. She educates and inspires students every day in her classroom. With our growing population, she has still built a relationship with every single student at her level. In addition he encourages students to be productive contributors to our community. 

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Jatona Sanudo

Position: Multilingual Teacher at Salk Middle, Meadowvale Elementary and Ivan Sand Community schools. 

What the nominator(s) said about them: This person gives all of their heart to their students and they all know how much the nominee supports and believes in them. This person holds students to high standards not only in school but also in being a good human and always working hard. The nominee connects their language learning to their actual lives and makes the learning make sense for their long-term success. She shows students mirrors and windows into their lives and other lived experiences, showing them reflected in the content they learn with texts and learning. She believes wholeheartedly in a school/community connection to keep students engaged and inspired. This person creates a safe environment for the students to take risks, learn, and be successful 

Substitute Teacher of the Year: Tucker Kaup

Position: Building substitute at Prairie View Middle School 

What the nominator(s) said about them: He notices when students are struggling and engages with them to provide support, encouragement, and inspiration while he is in each classroom. He’s also a team player. For example, he’s always making himself available to other teachers even on days he is not assigned anywhere.  Finally, he engages with all students and staff he comes into contact with, whether that's a student saying "Hello" in a grocery store or connecting with colleagues at after work events. He makes an effort to not only be working alongside staff in the school, but to be a central and vital part of the PVMS community. And he’s always pushing the students past what the sub notes say, encouraging them to always take the extra step.