May 8, 2020 – West Bend, WI – Jackson Elementary first grade teacher Denise Gantner is a winner of the 49th Annual Rolfs Educational Foundation Award in the West Bend School District. Claire Rolfs of the Rolfs Educational Foundation was on hand to congratulate Gantner and present the award.
Gantner is an educator who is steadfast in what she was born to do which is teach students the love of reading. She is an active member of the Jackson reading team and is the classroom model for reading instruction at the elementary level. She never stops searching for literature that will make a difference in her student’s lives.
Gantner is very modest and one would never know the amount of time and effort she has devoted to her classroom. She does what it takes to meet individual student needs and builds a lasting rapport with her students and their families.
Every child in her room has the opportunity to learn in their own way in such a loving and caring manner. Gantner includes her students with special needs 100% of the time using their gifts to enhance the learning of other students. Her lessons are kept engaging for all learners and allows the children to have a voice in how they will meet their individual goals.
Gantner is a team player at Jackson for many years helping make the building’s culture what it is today: welcoming, trustworthy, and a place to take chances without being judged.
The criteria for teachers to win the award include completing a minimum of three years of employment under contract with the district and not having received the award within the past two years. In addition, nominations can be submitted by self, peers, administration, students in grades 5-12, parents, and community members.
Click HERE to see the other winners from the 2019-2020 school year.