Lois Stuefen:  American Star of Teaching 

The 2006-2007 school year got off to a surprising start as one of our distinguished teachers was honored by the U.S. Department of Education.

On hand was Senator John Thune (R-SD) and Mr. Rene Islas, Chief of Staff in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education, to award Mrs. Lois Stuefen the 2006 South Dakota’s No Child Left Behind American Star of Teaching. They were joined by former principals Mrs. Kathie Tuntland and Mrs. Isabelle Short.

Mrs. Stuefen, surrounded by family, friends, co-workers, and students, was visibly moved by the honor. Stuefen was one of 50 teachers across the nation chosen from 4,000 nominations and is the only teacher in the state of South Dakota to be honored this year.

“The American Star of Teaching award presented to Mrs. Stuefen was an exciting way to start the school year,” stated Principal Brian Jandahl. “Mrs. Stuefen represents the highest ideals of teaching and she richly deserved the recognition and accolades for her excellence, enthusiasm, and concern.”

Lois Stuefen has taught each grade from first through sixth at Elkton Elementary School, designing individualized projects with her students to ensure she meets the needs of each child, from the most at-risk to the highest achieving. Stuefen helped organize Elkton Elementary School’s involvement in the Destination Imagination program to teach creative thinking and problem solving skills.

Mr. Islas was first to the podium and spoke about how teachers across the country serve our nation’s children and strive to make our country the best in the world.

Senator Thune spoke about his time in school and about teachers who shaped his life. “I am proud to congratulate Mrs. Stuefen on this great honor,” said U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD). “Growing up the son of educators, I understand the time and energy teachers put into their profession. This award recognizes a long and dedicated career. Mrs. Stuefen’s family and students, current and former, are lucky to have been taught by the very best.”

Former Principals Kathie Tuntland and Peggy Freidel nominated Stuefen for the award. Tuntland spoke about how Mrs. Stuefen teaches creativity and perseverance in the classroom and sets high expectations for her students. “Lois recognizes that all students learn differently and adapts her instruction to meet their needs,” commented Tuntland. “She will continue to make you all winners in the game of life.”

Stuefen was joined by her husband, Bill, her parents, a sister and former co-workers. They all came to celebrate her career in education and the many students whose lives she has touched over the years.

“The Elkton Public Schools is proud of Mrs. Stuefen. She is very deserving of this honor. She is a shining example of the quality of teachers that are working with our children at Elkton Public Schools,” said Superintendent Tony Simons. “I thank Mrs. Stuefen for her dedication to the students of the district and want her to know that her hard work is recognized and appreciated.”

Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored this fall as the American Stars of Teaching. One teacher will be recognized in every state and the District of Columbia. A committee of former teachers at the U.S. Department of Education selected the American Stars from among nominations based on their success in improving academic performance and making a difference in their students’ lives.

Begun in 2004, the American Stars of Teaching recognition effort is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative.

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