News : VSHS teacher Fleming among those honored by Governor Branstad

VS teacher Louise Fleming was among the Iowa Teacher of the Year nominees.

Gov. Terry Branstad recognized VS teacher Louise Fleming as a Teacher of the Year finalist.

Louise Fleming and other outstanding Iowa teachers received recognition from Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad on Tuesday.

Last fall, Fleming was named one of the finalists for Teacher of the Year. That honor ultimately went to long-time Fairfield English teacher Scott Slechta.

Now an instructional coach for the district's new program, Fleming spent several years teaching Agriculture. She remains a FFA co-advisor.

Under her leadership the Ag program added hydroponics and fish farming. And with the help of many in the agriculture/business community, she led the effort to build "The Barn," one of the first ag labs for a high school in Iowa. The V-S FFA chapter and its members have earned many state and national honors during her tenure.

VS Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock congratulated and praised Fleming for her work in the district.

"She represented herself, the high school and the district very positively and professionally. After she was nominated, she was reluctant to complete the paperwork but several of us encouraged her to do so," said Hainstock.