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Leadership
Page 4 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Four Teachers Earn LEEA Honors

Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District
Four teachers have been recognized
as exemplary educators and leaders among
their peers by the buffalo-Hanover-Montrose
School District.
Each was named a Leadership in Educa-
tional Excellence Awardee at the annual LEEA
banquet and Award Ceremony in St. Cloud on
Oct. 25.
Those honored include Northwinds Ele-
mentary School kindergarten teacher Katie
Deneen, buffalo Community Middle School
math teacher Natalie Johnson, buffalo High
School health/physical education teacher Josh
Ortmann, and Discovery Elementary School
kindergarten teacher Kimarie Tacke. Natalie Johnson Josh Ortmann Kimarie Tacke
The seed of an idea that eventually Ortmann is in his 12th year of teaching, For Tacke, the recognition is a fitting
sprouted into Johnson’s 23-year local teaching and also serves as the head coach of the bHS finale to 40 years in the classroom, including
career was planted early. boys basketball team – the squad that as a 27 years with bHM Schools.
“As a student, I saw the difference the student he once helped lead to its first and only “This is my last year teaching, which has
right teacher could make in a person’s life,” state championship. caused me to reflect back over my career,”
she said. “I wanted to become a math teacher “Outside of my parents and family, the Tacke said. “I have never shied away from
because I find joy in helping others.” people who had the greatest impact on me with leadership opportunities if it meant I could
bCMS Principal Matt Lubben said who I am as a person today were my teach- make things better for students, teachers and
Johnson is frequently mentioned when stu- ers and coaches,” Ortmann said. “Having that the school system at large. I am proud of the
dents talk about favorite teachers, and she is same opportunity to try and give back and initiatives I have been involved with to do just
a standout in her ability to connect theoretical positively impact the students that walk our that. This award is such a nice honor to wrap
classroom exercises to real-life scenarios. hallways at bHS makes this the greatest job up my career.”
“I thrive on finding ways to best help there is.” Discovery Principal Mat Nelson said
my students learn math in a fun and mean- because of his classroom and coaching Tacke is “more than deserving” of the recogni-
ingful way so they will see the important role connections with all ages of students at bHS, tion.
its understanding will have in their future,” Principal Mark Mischke said Ortmann is well- “She cares deeply about her students as
Katie Deneen Johnson said. “I find it so rewarding to watch positioned to lead in exactly that way. learners and people, and meticulously main-
Deneen has taught for 30 years, including my students grow and achieve success after “So many people get to see him and tains a safe classroom learning environment
17 at bHM Schools. learning hard work and perseverance when interact with him, and they walk away in a to maximize academic, social, and emotional
“I have always wanted to be a teacher problem-solving.” better spot than they were before they spent growth,” Nelson said. “Ms. Tacke exemplifies
for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I Johnson is also a leader among the time with him. So I think his ability to influ- what the highest quality teacher should be and
wanted to create a classroom that is welcom- eighth-grade math department members. ence is very noticeable in a very positive way,” demonstrates so much care and skill in every-
ing to every student who walks through the “Our staff absolutely loves Natalie, and Mischke said. “If you think about describing thing she engages in. We are thankful to have
doors and to make lasting connections with the kids too,” said Lubben. “She’s always pos- a teacher you would want to have to start a her on our team at Discovery Elementary!”
each of them.” itive and smiling, and makes kids feel good school, Josh would be one of those people.” Coming from a long family tradition
Northwinds Principal Carmen Tubbs said about themselves. She’s been a great fit for our That may be, but Ortmann sees more of a of teaching, the role has come naturally for
Deneen has been successful in that regard, school and just a real strong leader both aca- team accomplishment in the very meaningful Tacke.
building strong relationships with students and demically and culturally.” individual honor he has received. “There are definitely things about my job
their families, and also serves as “a positive From Johnson’s point of view, the high “This award really doesn’t have much to that bring me joy!” she said. “Most of those
leader, mentor and support for fellow col- regard from her peers is mutual. do with me as much as it does the people that I things have to do with the students and all their
leagues.” “I am so humbled to receive this honor am surrounded with,” he said. “We have great personalities and learning styles. I have been
Seeing joy on the faces of her students, because I work in a building filled with leadership here at bHS and have a PE/health able to develop life-long relationships with
whether from simple excitement about their amazing teachers who all have a passion for department that genuinely wants nothing but students and parents/families. I also love the
subject matter or from the satisfaction of hard helping children and who are just as deserv- the best for each and every student that comes creative outlet I have in the classroom.”
work that yields success, is Deneen’s favorite ing,” she said. into our classes. This award is a recognition
aspect of the job. of the hard work that we all are putting fourth
“I get to go into work every day and am together on a daily basis to try and create
surrounded by amazing people who constantly an environment where every student feels a www.bhmschools.org
inspire me,” Deneen said. “I am honored to be strong sense of belonging.”
recognized as someone who inspires others
and humbled to be receiving this award.”

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