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Statement From R.I. Gov. McKee on the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Sept. 12 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
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Statement from Governor McKee on the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
September 11, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI - In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, Governor Dan McKee released the following statement:
"Twenty-five years later, we still remember the Americans whose lives were tragically taken on September 11, 2001, and the families and loved ones who carry that loss with them every single day.
"Rhode Island lost nine of our own that day, a loss that
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Sept. 12 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
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Statement from Governor McKee on the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
September 11, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI - In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, Governor Dan McKee released the following statement:
"Twenty-five years later, we still remember the Americans whose lives were tragically taken on September 11, 2001, and the families and loved ones who carry that loss with them every single day.
"Rhode Island lost nine of our own that day, a loss thatwill be felt for generations. We remember their names. We remember their lives: David Lawrence Angell, Carol Marie Bouchard, Mark Lawrence Charette, James Edward Hayden, Amy Nicole Jarret, Kathryn L. Laborie, Shawn M. Nassaney, Renee Tetreault Newell and Jessica Leigh Sachs.
"We also remember the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who showed extraordinary bravery and compassion in the aftermath. We can never thank them enough.
"September 11 changed our country forever. But it also showed us what we are capable of when we come together. Today, we honor those we lost, stand with the families who feel their absence, and remember the unity that carried this country forward.
We will never forget."
Governor McKee has directed U.S. and Rhode Island flags to remain at half-staff at all state facilities and buildings on Friday, September 11, 2026. Governor McKee asks Rhode Islanders to lower their flags as a sign of respect.
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/statement-governor-mckee-25th-anniversary-september-11-2001
Statement From Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., the Board of Regents, and Commissioner Betty A. Rosa on the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 12 -- The New York State Education Department issued the following news release:
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Statement From Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., the Board of Regents, and Commissioner Betty A. Rosa on the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
"Twenty-five years ago, our nation, and New York in particular, was forever changed by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives taken that day, as well as the more than 9,000 individuals who have since died from conditions linked to 9/11 exposure. We honor the extraordinary courage of the first
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ALBANY, New York, Sept. 12 -- The New York State Education Department issued the following news release:
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Statement From Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., the Board of Regents, and Commissioner Betty A. Rosa on the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
"Twenty-five years ago, our nation, and New York in particular, was forever changed by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives taken that day, as well as the more than 9,000 individuals who have since died from conditions linked to 9/11 exposure. We honor the extraordinary courage of the firstresponders and everyday New Yorkers who ran toward danger to help others, and we recognize all those who continue to carry the physical and emotional consequences of that day.
We also honor the educators who faced an unimaginable responsibility in the hours and days that followed. In classrooms across New York, teachers, counselors, school leaders, and staff comforted frightened students, helped young people make sense of the incomprehensible, and provided stability and reassurance at a moment of profound uncertainty. Their compassion and steadiness reflected the very best of the education profession.
That same spirit of service was demonstrated by countless licensed professionals across New York, including many of the health and mental health professionals whose professions are overseen by the State Education Department's Office of the Professions. Physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and others responded in the immediate aftermath and continued to care for survivors, families, first responders, and communities in the difficult days and years that followed. Their service remains an enduring part of the story of September 11.
As September 11 moves further into history, fewer of today's students have a personal connection to that day. That makes our responsibility to teach its history all the more important. Students should understand not only what happened on September 11, but also the lives that were lost, the heroism and sacrifice that followed, and the ways those events shaped our state, our nation, and our world.
Through education, we preserve the memory of those who came before us and ensure that the lessons of September 11 are not lost to time. By teaching them with care, honesty, and reverence, we honor those whose lives were lost or forever changed, while helping future generations understand their responsibility to remember, learn, and carry those lessons forward.
On this 25th anniversary, may we never forget those we lost, remain grateful to those who served and sacrificed, and recommit ourselves to building a future defined not by the hatred that caused such devastation, but by the courage, compassion, unity, and humanity that emerged in response."
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Original text here: https://www.nysed.gov/news/2026/statement-chancellor-lester-w-young-jr-board-regents-and-commissioner-betty-rosa-25th
S.D. A.G. Jackley Statement on 25th Anniversary of 9/11
PIERRE, South Dakota, Sept. 12 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Marty Jackley Statement on 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Sept. 11, 2026
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued this statement on today's observance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11:
"We will never forget the horrors of 9/11, but we will remember the lives lost and the heroic response of law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders who rushed into the fire to save others.
We also remember those brave citizens who stood up against
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Sept. 12 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Marty Jackley Statement on 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Sept. 11, 2026
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued this statement on today's observance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11:
"We will never forget the horrors of 9/11, but we will remember the lives lost and the heroic response of law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders who rushed into the fire to save others.
We also remember those brave citizens who stood up againstterrorism. We honor them and their loved ones today and every day."
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3149
N.Y. Agriculture Dept. Seeking Input for a Program Supporting Disadvantaged Farmers
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 12 -- The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued the following news on Sept. 11, 2026:
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State Agriculture Department Seeking Input for a Program Supporting Disadvantaged Farmers
Letter of Interest for the Administration of the $2 Million Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program Due October 07,2026
Additional Information Available at agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities
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New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that the Department of Agriculture and Markets is now accepting letters of
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ALBANY, New York, Sept. 12 -- The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued the following news on Sept. 11, 2026:
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State Agriculture Department Seeking Input for a Program Supporting Disadvantaged Farmers
Letter of Interest for the Administration of the $2 Million Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program Due October 07,2026
Additional Information Available at agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities
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New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that the Department of Agriculture and Markets is now accepting letters ofinterest from prospective program administrators with experience working with or representing socially and economically disadvantaged farmers for Round 3 of the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program. The grant program aims to expand opportunities to farmers who are less likely to enter or succeed in the agricultural field, due to discrimination and the inability to access resources. Funding for the program was provided in the New York State Budget and builds on the State's work to expand opportunities in agriculture to more New Yorkers.
"This is a great opportunity for entities to play a direct role in helping our agricultural industry grow," Commissioner Ball said. "I encourage all eligible entities to take advantage of the opportunity to administer the third round of the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program and help provide farmers across our state with the funding they need to start or improve their business."
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program (RFI 0431)
The Department is seeking input from organizations that can provide financial assistance, including capital assistance, to grant awardees to ensure effective distribution of grant funds. Entities eligible to administer Round 3 of the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program include municipalities, public benefit corporations, local development corporations, or not-for-profit organizations. The RFI is not a solicitation of actual proposals to administer this program. A Request for Proposals (RFP) will be published on a later date. Responding to this RFI is not a prerequisite to submitting a proposal in response to any future RFP and will not result in a contract.
The selected Program Administrator will administer the $2 million third round of the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program, which was funded in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 New York State Budget to assist farmers who face disproportionate barriers to success due to discrimination. The selected administrator will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, on a competitive basis to eligible socially and economically disadvantaged farmers who will materially and substantially participate in operating a farm within a region of the state. This may include urban farmers. Grants will be awarded to start up, improve or expand farm operations; provide worker or apprenticeship training; purchase agricultural land, infrastructure, equipment, or livestock; and more.
Socially disadvantaged individuals include those who have been subject to discrimination due to their race or ethnicity, including those who identify as Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian or Pacific Islander. Economically disadvantaged farmers are socially disadvantaged individuals whose farming opportunities have been hindered due to diminished capital, credit opportunities, or access to land, among other things, as compared to other similarly situated individuals who are not socially disadvantaged.
For more information about this opportunity, visit agriculture.ny.gov/rfi-0431-program-administrator-round-3-socially-and-economically-disadvantaged-farmers-competitive. Letters of Interest must be received by the Department by October 07, 2026.
The Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program offers support to New York farmers who face disproportionate social and economic barriers to success. Opening doors to all farmers is a critical piece of New York's agricultural landscape that will help ensure a strong, diverse, and well-supported agricultural future.
This program builds on Governor Kathy Hochul's pledge to strengthen New York agriculture by building a strong agricultural workforce pipeline and increasing access to careers in agriculture for all New Yorkers. This includes efforts like the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program; continued funding for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS); and dedicated funding committed in New York State's Fiscal Year 2026-27 Enacted Budget to advance New York's agricultural workforce. In addition, the Governor dedicated $30 million to the Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program to provide relief to farmers impacted by federal tariffs, reinforcing New York's commitment to the agricultural community while safeguarding local jobs and ensuring farmers have the certainty needed to compete in a changing global marketplace.
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Original text here: https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/state-agriculture-department-seeking-input-program-supporting-disadvantaged-farmers
N.M. Higher Education Dept.: State Expands Food Security Support for College Students Statewide
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 12 -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release:
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State expands food security support for college students statewide
SANTA FE -- Twenty-eight public and tribal colleges and universities across New Mexico are expanding food pantries, emergency meals and other basic needs support for students, backed by $586,000 in new funding from the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department is investing in student success beyond the cost of tuition through its FY26 Food Security Bridge Fund. By
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 12 -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release:
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State expands food security support for college students statewide
SANTA FE -- Twenty-eight public and tribal colleges and universities across New Mexico are expanding food pantries, emergency meals and other basic needs support for students, backed by $586,000 in new funding from the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department is investing in student success beyond the cost of tuition through its FY26 Food Security Bridge Fund. Byexpanding food pantries, meal assistance, access to fresh foods, and other basic needs supports, campuses can reduce the stigma of asking for help and create communities where students know that meeting their basic needs is not an exception or a privilege, but part of an environment designed to help every student learn and thrive.
"Tuition-free college is the foundational first step to making higher education more accessible, but we know that affordability does not end with tuition," said Higher Education Deputy Secretary Patricia Trujillo, Ph.D. "Students should not have to choose between their education and their next meal. This funding will help campuses strengthen food security for students who need support most, while building a campus culture in which accessing nutritious food and basic needs resources is a normal and accepted part of the college experience."
The Food Security Bridge Fund supports a range of campus-based solutions tailored to the needs of students and their communities. Projects include expanding food pantry inventories, purchasing refrigeration and other equipment, increasing access to fresh and locally sourced food, providing hot and grab-and-go meals, offering nutrition education and expanding access to hygiene and household supplies.
Across the state, colleges and universities are using the funding to strengthen existing programs while creating new ways for students to access nutritious food and other essential resources with dignity and without stigma.
Funded projects include:
* Clovis Community College will dedicate funding to direct food purchases for its Campus Cabinet, increasing the availability of staple and protein-rich foods and preparing for periods of increased need at the beginning of semesters and before academic breaks.
* Central New Mexico Community College will expand access to fresh, nutritious produce through its partnership with MoGro, allowing the campus food pantries to provide more locally sourced produce bags to students.
* Dine College will expand its Warrior Chiyaan Bee Nihizdzil, or "We are Stronger with Food," Student Food Pantry, providing monthly food baskets, pantry items and nutrition and health workshops across its New Mexico locations.
* Eastern New Mexico University will strengthen its Campus Life Resource Closet by purchasing food and essential equipment, including refrigeration and storage, while sourcing much of its food from local farmers and ranchers.
* Institute of American Indian Arts will expand access to healthy foods while strengthening food storage and preparation infrastructure and incorporating Indigenous food systems, recipes and food preparation into student programming.
* New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology will expand its food pantry's dry and cold storage capacity, increasing access to protein-rich foods and improving inventory management as the pantry joins the Roadrunner Food Bank network.
* New Mexico State University will expand food security services through projects that increase access to fresh food, improve pantry infrastructure, expand emergency food support, develop a campus garden, and provide nutrition education.
* San Juan College will improve pantry inventory management while increasing access to high-demand staples, fresh proteins and healthy grab-and-go foods through its Trail Blaze Cupboard.
* University of New Mexico will expand pantry storage and refrigeration, create a warm-meal preparation station, and increase access to culturally responsive and nutritionally balanced foods.
* Santa Fe Community College will strengthen its Campus Cupboard and Exchange by expanding access to produce, healthier snacks, ready-to-eat meals and other basic needs resources while building partnerships with local food organizations.
* Southeastern New Mexico Community College will expand nutritious food access, pantry hours, refrigeration and storage while connecting students with farmers' market vouchers, SNAP information and healthy cooking resources.
Through the Food Security Bridge Fund, NMHED is supporting colleges and universities in building stronger, more sustainable systems of support so students can spend less time worrying about where their next meal will come from and more time pursuing their education.
For more information about the New Mexico Higher Education Department and its programs, visit hed.nm.gov. To learn more about tuition-free college opportunities through the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, visit ReachHigherNM.com.
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Original text here: https://hed.nm.gov/news/state-expands-food-security-support-for-college-students-statewide
Mass. Public Health Dept.: State Health Officials Announce Season's Seventh Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 12 -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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State Health Officials Announce Season's Seventh Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts
WNV risk levels now elevated to moderate in most of the state
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Boston -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today is releasing updated West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance and case numbers for the week, including the state's seventh human case of WNV this year in a man in his 60s exposed in Worcester County.
As a result of this case and increased WNV activity
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 12 -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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State Health Officials Announce Season's Seventh Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts
WNV risk levels now elevated to moderate in most of the state
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Boston -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today is releasing updated West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance and case numbers for the week, including the state's seventh human case of WNV this year in a man in his 60s exposed in Worcester County.
As a result of this case and increased WNV activitythis season, risk levels for WNV were elevated to moderate in most of the state. Only Dukes and Nantucket counties, as well as Provincetown and Truro in Barnstable County remain at low risk. Risk levels remain high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Watertown, and Winthrop.
"Mosquitoes remain active, and West Nile virus continues to spread," said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. "Because some risk will continue until the first hard frost, I want to encourage everyone to keep using mosquito repellent and take other protective measures, such as wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin when spending time outdoors."
The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this year were announced on June 16. Since then, 307 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There have been no animal cases of WNV reported this year.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has also been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 14 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.
DPH will update the public on WNV cases in Massachusetts via weekly press releases each Friday. Surveillance information, including case updates, will continue to be updated daily and posted online at the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update web page. DPH encourages everyone to use this online resource regularly to stay informed on risk levels in their community and around the state.
People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.
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Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.
Protect Your Animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools - especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/state-health-officials-announce-seasons-seventh-human-case-of-west-nile-virus-in-massachusetts
Iowa Education Dept.: Nine Iowa Teachers Honored as Third-ever Regional Teachers of the Year
DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 12 -- The Iowa Department of Education issued the following news release on Sept. 11, 2026:
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Nine Iowa teachers honored as third-ever Regional Teachers of the Year
Representing each of Iowa's education regions, the nine outstanding teachers serve as finalists for the 2027 Iowa Teacher of the Year award
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The Iowa Department of Education today announced nine teachers from across the state have been selected as the 2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year, following the inaugural 2025 Regional Teacher of the Year program. Each teacher, representing one of Iowa's nine
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DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 12 -- The Iowa Department of Education issued the following news release on Sept. 11, 2026:
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Nine Iowa teachers honored as third-ever Regional Teachers of the Year
Representing each of Iowa's education regions, the nine outstanding teachers serve as finalists for the 2027 Iowa Teacher of the Year award
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The Iowa Department of Education today announced nine teachers from across the state have been selected as the 2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year, following the inaugural 2025 Regional Teacher of the Year program. Each teacher, representing one of Iowa's nineeducation regions, was chosen for their outstanding achievements in PK-12 instruction and positive impact on student outcomes and success.
The 2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year are Ashley Cardamone, Jessica Howard, Tracy Madsen, Lynne Glackin, Jana Dewhurst, Tera Bunn, Mitchel Dierickx, Roselyn Schillerstrom and Abby Goodlaxson.
"As we continue to celebrate excellence in teaching in every corner of our state, the Department is proud to recognize nine outstanding educators with the third-ever Regional Teacher of the Year designation," said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. "Like their dedicated colleagues across Iowa, these teachers work in partnership with families to provide every child with what they need to meet high expectations and realize their incredible potential. Alongside their school communities, we congratulate and thank each of Iowa's 2027 Regional Teachers of the Year for choosing this honored profession, putting students at the center of all they do."
Nominations for the 2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year were received earlier this year from educators, administrators, students, families and other community members. In partnership with teachers and education leaders across Iowa, the nine regional teachers were selected to represent a variety of schools, grade levels, endorsements and pathways to the teaching profession. Collectively, the teachers represent a broad range of subject areas, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Fine Arts, Business and Computer Science, Physical Education and Health, and Early Childhood Education. As Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year, they advance as finalists for the 2027 Iowa Teacher of the Year award, to be announced later this fall.
Established in 1958, the prestigious Teacher of the Year award honors an Iowa teacher who advances student learning through evidence-based instruction, empowers students with multiple pathways to postsecondary success, invests in fellow educators and serves students in partnership with families. Iowa's Regional Teacher of the Year Program was established in 2024 for the 2025 designations to ensure Iowa is celebrating and recognizing outstanding teachers who are making a difference in local communities across Iowa.
Last year, Stephanie Pritts, an instructional coach and elementary education teacher from the Sheldon Community School District and 2026 Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year, was named as the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year. The Iowa Teacher of the Year serves as an education ambassador for the Iowa Department of Education and a liaison for educators, students and families across the state.
Information on the experience and accomplishments of each of the nine 2027 Iowa Regional Teachers is included below:
Central Rivers Regional Teacher of the Year
Ashley Cardamone, Cedar Falls Community School District
Cardamone, a secondary art teacher at Cedar Falls Community School District's Holmes Junior High, has 15 years of experience engaging students in art education, both in secondary and postsecondary classes. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Master of Art Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa, where she is also a candidate for an Advanced Studies Certificate in Educational Leadership. Cardamone believes that all students can learn at high levels no matter their artistic experience and she supports each student as they build skills, generate and develop ideas, create original artwork and reflect on their learning. She has also taught undergraduate courses for preservice art teachers and graduate courses for practicing art teachers. Outside of art education, she has also served as a coordinator for afterschool programming and is a member of the school's Building Leadership Team. Cardamone is a past recipient of several awards for outstanding teaching, including the University of Northern Iowa's Yager Exemplary Teaching Recognition Award. Whether in the classroom or at an afterschool program, Cardamone prioritizes engaging students in authentic learning.
Meet Ashley Cardamone (https://youtu.be/Vzo0grDk1KQ)
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Grant Wood Regional Teacher of the Year
Jessica Howard, Lone Tree Community School District
Howard has served as a middle school and high school business and computer science teacher at Lone Tree Community School District for the past 10 years, now serving on the district leadership team. She works hard to expand opportunities for students, including as concurrent enrollment course instructor in partnership with Kirkwood Community College, adviser for the school district's chapters for National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America, and coach of Lone Tree's state champion esports team. She has a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from Upper Iowa University, a Master of Teaching and Learning degree from the University of Iowa and a computer science certificate from the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Virginia. Prior to becoming a teacher through the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) program, Howard worked in the private sector at Lee Enterprises and U.S. Cellular. Howard is a former Iowa STEM Teacher Award recipient and has participated in Iowa STEM Externship Program opportunities that paired her with local business and industry partners to advance career-connected learning in her community.
Meet Jessica Howard (https://youtu.be/MErGqpFDIuc)
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Great Prairie Regional Teacher of the Year
Tracy Madsen, Central Lee Community School District
Madsen, head director of music at Central Lee Community School District, has two decades of experience in music education. He provides leadership for the instrumental music department for grades 5-12 and the vocal music department for grades 7-12, overseeing curriculum, programming, and student development. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Iowa Wesleyan College and has worked extensively to prepare music programs for national and international performances in notable events such as the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, the 75th commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the President's Cup National High School Concert Band Invitational in Washington, D.C. At Central Lee, Madsen has strengthened the rigor and relevance of the music program while emphasizing student-centered leadership opportunities. Madsen has also been recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Southeast District Choral Educator by the Iowa Choral Directors Association and was named the Central Lee Teacher of the Year in 2025. For the past three consecutive years, the Central Lee Community School District has been awarded the National Association of Music Merchants Best Communities for Music Education Award.
Meet Tracy Madsen (https://youtu.be/B5ZzQfxY84A)
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Green Hills Regional Teacher of the Year
Lynne Glackin, Woodbine Community School District
Glackin, an elementary education teacher, is in her 25th year of teaching at Woodbine Community School District where she currently teaches third grade, leading the math and science curriculum. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Drake University. Glackin prioritizes personalized learning and creating a classroom environment focused on growth, mastery and student ownership of their learning. In this work she makes sure that her students understand that learning is a process and part of that process is supporting each other and learning from mistakes. In support of student growth, she participates in Professional Learning Communities with her colleagues to regularly review student data to inform and adjust individualized student instruction and support where needed. Beyond the classroom, Glackin serves on the district's leadership team and also mentors her peers in curriculum implementation and student behavior support. She is committed to being a positive influence in her students' lives throughout their entire educational experience and beyond.
Meet Lynne Glackin (https://youtu.be/MDqgnlWUL7M)
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Heartland Regional Teacher of the Year
Jana Dewhurst, Johnston Community School District
Dewhurst, a veteran early childhood educator at Johnston Community School District's Wallace Elementary School, has more than 30 years of experience working with young children and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Teaching Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, with a special education option, from Iowa State University. Dewhurst is passionate about creating an engaging classroom where every student feels seen, safe, and valued. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes strong cognitive, physical, and behavioral development through meaningful, hands-on learning and discovery. She believes that meeting students where they are and ensuring they feel cared for are essential to learning. Dewhurst also views student success as a collaborative effort and works to build strong, trusting partnerships with parents and caregivers. She considers her classroom a community of learners with shared expectations and responsibilities. Throughout her career, Dewhurst has remained committed to helping Iowa's youngest learners explore, grow, build confidence, and develop the skills they need for future success.
Meet Jana Dewhurst (https://youtu.be/aXJsi0zvuH8)
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Keystone Regional Teacher of the Year
Tera Bunn, Oelwein Community School District
Bunn, who is beginning her first year as a PK-4 instructional coach and interventionist at Oelwein Community School District, brings 30 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She previously taught preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, and Title I reading. Bunn earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University, with endorsements in reading, early childhood, and coaching, and a Master of General Education from Viterbo University. A lifelong learner, Bunn actively collaborates with colleagues, shares instructional strategies, and mentors new teachers. She has served on several district committees, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and the building leadership team. Bunn is also involved in PAWSitively Oelwein, which supports the use of comfort dogs in schools to promote safe and healthy learning environments. Beyond the school day, she participates in the Husky Adventures afterschool program, youth summer theatre camp, and STEM and literacy family nights. Bunn believes strong connections, both inside and outside the classroom, are essential to student success.
Meet Tera Bunn (https://youtu.be/76zfDE_r2uY)
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Mississippi Bend Regional Teacher of the Year
Mitchel Dierickx, Davenport Community School District
Dierickx, a first grade teacher at Davenport Community School District's Madison Elementary School, has spent the past nine years creating a positive learning environment and supporting the growth of young learners. He earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and is expected to complete a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University later this year. Dierickx is a teacher leader in his school and district, serving on the Building Student Assessment Team, leading the first grade Professional Learning Community, and serving as a model teacher in lesson structure, instructional planning, and student behavior management. He also co-advises student council and serves as a staff representative for the Parent-Teacher Organization. In 2025, he was named an inaugural recipient of Davenport's Heart of Excellence Award. Dierickx credits data-driven instruction, strong relationships, and collaboration with colleagues for his success. He believes all students can achieve at high levels when supported by high expectations, strong instruction, and a caring, supportive environment.
Meet Mitchel Dierickx (https://youtu.be/AgKAc78P1PM)
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Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year
Roselyn Schillerstrom, West Lyon Community School District
Schillerstrom, an English language arts teacher at West Lyon High School, has been enthusiastically teaching and working with students for 30 years. She believes that effective research and writing build critical thinking skills and help students understand the power of language in lifelong learning and in everyday life. Schillerstrom has a bachelor's degree in English Education from the University of Sioux Falls and a Master in Educational Leadership and Development degree from Southwest Minnesota State University. She has served in many leadership roles in her district, including as an instructional coach providing district-wide professional development, as a student teacher mentor, and in her current role as the Professional Development Coordinator with expertise in research-based classroom practices and building collaboration with colleagues. She is a trusted colleague among her peers and consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching through her ability to engage students and create a classroom where all learners feel valued and challenged.
Meet Roselyn Schillerstrom (https://youtu.be/q5MqqwO7FjY)
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Prairie Lakes Regional Teacher of the Year
Abby Goodlaxson, Okoboji Community School District
Goodlaxson, a physical education and health teacher at Okoboji Community School District, has spent the past 27 years empowering students through fitness and wellness activities. She has dedicated her career to fostering high-energy learning environments centered on self-discovery, physical activity enjoyment and healthy habits that set students up for long-term success. Goodlaxson has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Morningside University, with endorsements in PE, health education and coaching. She has been instrumental in designing the district's Unified PE and Adventure PE curricula, which supports physical education for every learner and incorporates outdoor experiential challenges to build teamwork. Her goal is to provide a space where students feel supported in stepping outside of their comfort zones and that they leave her class with the resiliency to try new activities. Goodlaxson has been recognized at the state, regional and national levels, including by the former Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAPHERD) and as the SHAPE America Central District Teacher of the Year. She was one of six finalists for the SHAPE National Teacher of the Year in 2017.
Meet Abby Goodlaxson (https://youtu.be/5dZtEK-qppQ)
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More information about the Regional Teachers of the Year and the Iowa Teacher of the Year process is available on the Department's website (https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/award-exchange-programs/iowa-teacher-year).
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Original text here: https://educate.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-09-11/nine-iowa-teachers-honored-third-ever-regional-teachers-year
