Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/131602
Wheatland Educator Honored with National Foundation for the Improvement of Education Award Liesl Peterson is a recipient of the National Education Association's National Foundation for the Improvement of Education's (NFIE) Award for Teaching Excellence sponsored by California Casualty – one of the nation's most prestigious honors for public educators. The Wyoming Education Association nominated Peterson for the honor, after many of her fellow colleagues wrote letters on her behalf. "I team-taught with Leisl and was one of her mentors while teaching in Wheatland, so I couldn't be more excited to nominate her on WEA's behalf," said WEA President Kathy Vetter. Before being elected for the WEA Presidency, Vetter taught in Wheatland for 30 years. President Vetter said the WEA is thrilled that California Casualty has joined us again this year to pay tribute to educators who are making such a difference in the lives of students in classrooms across the country. Platte County Education Association President Brian Boaz had many things to say in his nomination letter about Peterson and her commitment to students and education. "Truly dedicated to her students and the art of teaching, Liesl has the ability to set her goals and standards extremely high for both herself and her students," Boaz said. Wheatland High School Principal Tracy de Ryk said Leisl is every principal's dream of teacher recruitment. "I have never seen a new teacher be as effective in the classroom as Liesl Peterson," de Ryk said. Peterson is one of many awardees who will be honored at the NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala to be held sometime next year. Known as the Academy Awards of public education, the gala attracts more than 850 of the nation's leaders from public education, philanthropy, and the private sector. Liesl Peterson visits with NEA President Dennis Van Roekel and WEA President Kathy Vetter. 14 SUMMER 2013 Summer 2013.indd 14 | WEAnews 5/17/13 11:45 AM