News : Kris Howes-Vonstein teacher of the year nominee

Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School science teacher Kris Howes-Vonstein has been named one of the finalists for Iowa Teacher of the year. It's a well-deserved honor, say her colleagues and the principal of the building where she has taught for many years.

VSMS Principal Shelly Peterson calls Mrs. H-V, as she is known in the halls of the school, a "an extraordinary teacher who brings science to life in her classroom."

"She works tirelessly every day for students and provides differentiated opportunities to meet the needs of all learners,: says Peterson. "Mrs. Howes-Vonstein is the type of teacher you wish every child has in their life at some point. I am so proud of Mrs. Howes-Vonstein and I am thankful I can work along side her every day."

Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock agrees.

"Ms. H-V’s students and Vinton-Shellsburg colleagues have known she is a great teacher for many years; the state’s announcement she was a finalist for the statewide recognition is a broader recognition of her talents and achievements," says Hainstock, "She is a Difference Maker for her students and we are fortunate she is a part of our school district."

The other finalists for the 2019 Teacher of the Year are:

• Leigh Ann Erickson, director of student support and an English literature and social justice teacher at Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon Community School District

• Shelly Nash, a physics teacher at Sioux City West High School, Sioux City Community School District

The Iowa Teacher of the Year award was established in 1958.

The annual program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature. Honorees serve as ambassadors to education and act as liaisons to schools, higher education, and organizations across the state.