Originally Poster by the Waukesha Freeman….
MILWAUKEE — The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has named 114 Wisconsin teachers and administrators as recipients of its 2025 Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership awards for demonstrating leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to educational excellence.
This year, 100 teachers have received Teacher Fellowship awards of $6,000 for their ability to inspire a love of learning, motivate students, and lead both inside and outside the classroom. In addition, 14 principals are being honored with Principal Leadership awards of $6,000 for setting high standards for instruction, achievement and character while fostering a positive school environment. Each recipient’s school will also receive a matching grant of $6,000 to further support student learning and school initiatives, the foundation announced in a news release.
“Part of Herb Kohl’s lasting legacy is his unwavering support for the profession that makes all others possible — education,” said JoAnne Anton, president and CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies. “He challenged us to continue celebrating and investing in educators who shape the future. By recognizing their hard work, achievements, and service, we hope to honor their impact, elevate their contributions within their communities, and inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.”
Recipients are selected by a statewide committee of civic leaders and representatives of education-related associations and the program’s co-sponsors: The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, regional Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESA), and the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators. The Kohl Foundation award program was established by Herb Kohl, former U.S. senator, philanthropist, and businessman who died Dec. 27, 2023. Since 1990, the foundation has awarded over $40 million to Wisconsin educators, principals, students, and schools.
Local educators honored include:
Mark Anderson of Waukesha, Waukesha West High School JoEllen Dickert-Sturtz of Waukesha, Kettle Moraine Middle School, Dousman Stephanie Diedrich of Waukesha, Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha Toni Fink, Muskego, Milwaukee Spanish Immersion, Milwaukee Hannah Guth, Milwaukee, Brookfield East High School, Brookfield Elizabeth Hartwig, Menomonee Falls, Saint Mary Parish School, Menomonee Falls Lauren Jagemann, Brookfield, Golda Meir School, Milwaukee Curtis Kadow, New Berlin, Kosciuszko Elementary, Cudahy Matt Kotowicz, Milwaukee, Elmwood Elementary, New Berlin Caitlin McGaffick, Ixonia, Divine Redeemer Lutheran School, Hartland Taylor Molitor, Milwaukee, New Berlin West Middle/High School, New Berlin Alek Shumaker, Muskego, Pilgrim Park Middle School, Elm Grove Baognia Stoeckler, Menomonee Falls, Saint Augustine Preparatory Academy, Milwaukee Alethea Sumbry-Cetnarowski, Brookfield, Ninety-Fifth Street Elementary, Milwaukee Alison Taxis, West Allis, Eisenhower Middle/High School, New Berlin Ashley Van Galen, Milwaukee, Pilgrim Park Middle School, Elm Grove Shelly Weber, Dousman, Kettle Moraine Middle School, Dousman Lauren Wiske, Waukesha, Asa Clark Middle School, Pewaukee The Kohl foundation also honored area principals. Among them were: Bonnie Scholz of Waukesha at Catholic Memorial High School, Jason Schreiber, Oconomowoc, at Meadow View Elementary, Oconomowoc, and Luke Spielman of Pewaukee at Park View Middle School in Mukwonago.