Gold Star Teacher

05/26/2026

Thank you Elliot Tensen for capturing all the special moments for our Gold Star Teachers!

05/22/2026

Thank you KWWL for your continued partnership & support of the Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching!

Ten area teachers have been awarded the 2026 Gold Star Awards for outstanding teaching.

05/22/2026

Congrats, 2026 Gold Star Teachers! Thank you to all that showed up to support education in Black Hawk County.
What a night!🤩
Keep watching KWWL 10pm newscasts each night as they recognize each one of these Outstanding Teachers.

05/21/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY!!🌟
Let's celebrate education by honoring the 2026 Gold Star Award Recipients.
Bring your family & friends out tonight with signs and/or wear your teacher's favorite color or school spirit gear!

05/20/2026

Our final 2026 Gold Star Award Recipient is Kimberly Willmert. Mrs. Willmert is Science teacher at Cedar Falls High School.
Mrs. Willmert said "Being a Gold Star Teacher is such an honor. I have known I wanted to be a teacher since second grade, and if you had told that little girl with curly hair and pigtails that she would have her dream job just a few years into teaching and be making an impact on so many students that they would take the time to write such kind things about her, I am not sure she would have believed you. I love what I do each and every day, and this award reminds me that I am doing exactly what I am meant to do."
Gold Star Award Ceremony
Thursday, May 21st at 7pm
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

05/19/2026

We want to give a shout out to our next 2026 Gold Star Award Recipient, Traci Wildeboer. Mrs. Wildeboer is a 2nd grade teacher at North Cedar Elementary in Cedar Falls.
When asked what her favorite piece of advice for students would be, she said "Never stop learning. Find something that interests you and continue to invest in yourself."
Let's all celebrate Mrs. Wildeboer this Thursday at 7pm at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center!!

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

Our next 2026 Gold Star Award Recipient is Molli Wellman. Mrs. Wellman is a Kindergarten teacher at Immaculate Conception.
Mrs. Wellman shared with us the following, "My favorite thing about teaching is the connection to my students and families. I love getting to know these tiny people and seeing them grow, learn, have lightbulb moments, and become such amazing humans!"
Don Bosco Catholic School System, we can't wait to see you on Thursday, May 21st at 7pm at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center!!

05/17/2026

Today we would like to recognize Heather Wagner as a 2026 Gold Star Award Recipient. Mrs. Wagner is an English teacher at Waterloo West High School.
When asked what being a Gold Star teacher means to her, she said "Being a Gold Star teacher affirms that I have made meaningful connections with my students, and it makes the tough days worth it. It is an honor to be recognized in the same category as many of my mentors and colleagues."
Congratulations, Mrs. Wagner! Come cheer her on at the Gold Star Award Ceremony on May 21st at 7pm at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

05/16/2026

Today, we would like to introduce our next 2026 Gold Star Award Recipient, Meigan Leary.
Mrs. Leary is an 8th Grade Language Arts at Central Middle School in Waterloo.
She shared with us her favorite piece of advice for her students, "Stay true to who you are! Never let anyone bring you down and never be afraid to chase your dreams! You have one life to live, so make it the best!"
Join us when we honor her along with all of our 10 Gold Star Teachers on Thursday, May 21st at 7pm.
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center