Teacher of the Year  

Started in 2002, an outstanding teacher is selected from Des Moines Public (Elementary) Schools each year.

Rachel Kuperman (2005 - 2006)
The most recipient is Ms. Rachel Kuperman. She is a fifth grade teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary School, Des Moines, and was selected from a field of nearly 80 nominations from ten elementary schools in the Des Moines Public School system. The award was presented to Ms. Kuperman at a surprise all-student assembly at her school on Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Ms. Kuperman is relatively new to the teaching profession and is her second year as a fifth grade teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary. Growing up in West Des Moines, she graduated from Valley High School, then attended the University of Iowa where she graduated with an education degree with a double minor in reading and social sciences. In 2005, Ms. Kuperman was named Woman of the Year by the Des Moines chapter of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

This award is presented annually to a deserving Des Moines Public School elementary teacher. The recipient is selected based upon information solicited through the students. One of Ms. Kuperman's students said, “She is not much older than us so she can relate to our problems and help find solutions”. Another said, “She always compliments me whenever I do something good or improve my grades...with kids she always seems to know what to do.”

Bob Mitchell presents Rachel Kuperman with her Teacher of the Year award.

Kymberly Stein, Principal, Pleasant Hill Elementary, presents Rachel with congratulatory flowers.

Rachel with family, friends, and representatives of Downtown Des Moines Kiwanis.

Kari Wolfe-Guess (2002 - 2003)
The recipient of the first annual award (for the 2002 - 2003 school year) was Kari Wolfe-Guess. She is a fifth grade teacher at Cowles Elementary School, Des Moines, and was selected from a field of nearly 80 nominations from ten elementary schools in the Des Moines Public School system. The award was presented to Ms. Wolfe-Guess at a regular meeting of the Des Moines School Board.

Ms. Wolfe-Guess is a 1981 graduate of the University of Montana and has been teaching for more than 20 years. She received her Masters Degree in elementary education from Viterbo College, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, in 2002. A resident of Jefferson, Iowa, she is a certified Montessori instructor and a former sergeant in the U.S. Air Force: having served in Germany and in Georgia.

As a fifth grade teacher, she received twice the nominations received by other teachers. According to her student nominators, she “understands my problems”, “is nice and helps us learn by different angles”, “is a good problem solver”, and “she has patience and acts like she likes kids”. Above all, according to one student, “she rocks!”

Past Kiwanis President Bob Mitchell presents Teacher of the Award recognition plaque to Kari Wolfe-Guess following a Des Moines School Board monthly meeting.