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Leadership
Page 18 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaywi.com

The Gilder Lehrman Institute Selects Alisha Neinfeldt as 2025 Wisconsin

History Teacher of the Year

“History teachers play an essential role According to Jeff Holmes, Superinten-
in helping students understand the past, build dent, “The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School About the Program: Started in 2004,
critical thinking skills, and develop a deeper District is incredibly proud to celebrate Alisha this Gilder Lehrman program recog-
appreciation for the people and events that Neinfeldt’s selection as the 2025 Wisconsin nizes excellence in the teaching of
shaped our nation,” says James G. Basker, History Teacher of the Year by the prestigious history at the K–12 level. Each year,
president and CEO of the Gilder Lehrman Gilder Lehrman Institute. This honor reflects thousands of teachers are nominated
Institute. “We are proud to recognize educa- Ali’s exceptional dedication to bringing Amer- by students, parents, fellow teachers,
tors who go above and beyond to make history ican history to life for our 8th grade students and community members, shining a
engaging, meaningful, and relevant in their through her creative use of primary sources light on the important work they do.
classrooms.” and hands-on learning experiences, including
The annual recognition program cel- her leadership of our Washington, D.C. trip. Key Deadlines for 2026 Nominations:
ebrates one outstanding teacher from each As a former social studies teacher myself, I Nominations Due: April 30, 2026
state, the District of Columbia, Department deeply appreciate the efforts of a good teacher
of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. It teaching good lessons, and Ali exemplifies Supporting Materials Due: May 31,
recognizes educators for their dedication, cre- excellence in both. Her National Board Cer- 2026
ativity, and effective use of primary sources. tification and active role as treasurer for the www.gilderlehrman.org/
Nominees are recommended by students, col- Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies history-teacher-year
leagues, or school leaders and selected by state demonstrate her commitment to continuous
committees of historians and educators. improvement and professional leadership. We the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition
This is Neinfeldt’s 15th year in education are fortunate to have such a passionate edu- at a local ceremony. She will also join 52 other
and fourth year at CFMS where she teaches cator on our Eagle Team, inspiring the next honorees as a finalist for the 2025 National
8th grade Social Studies on the Eagle Team. generation to understand and appreciate the History Teacher of the Year Award.
She is a National Board Certified Teacher people and events that shaped our nation. The The national winner will be announced
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District and serves as the treasurer for the Wisconsin entire CFAUSD community congratulates Ali
Alisha Neinfeldt, a teacher at Chip- Council for the Social Studies. Originally on this well-deserved recognition and wishes this fall at a special ceremony at the Harvard
Club of New York City and will receive a
pewa Falls Middle School in Chippewa Falls, from Wisconsin Rapids, Alisha now calls her the best as she competes for the national $10,000 grand prize.
has been named the 2025 Wisconsin History Chippewa Falls home. Traveling is one of her title.”
Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman passions, and she is the organizer and leader of As the 2025 Wisconsin History Teacher
Institute of American History. Since 2004, this the 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip at CFMS! of the Year, Neinfeldt will receive a $1,000
distinguished award has recognized excep- Outside of school, she enjoys golf and spend- honorarium, a curated collection of American cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
tional K–12 educators for their remarkable ing time with family and friends. history books and educational materials from
work in teaching American history.

Clinton Principal Erika Stewart room, as she consistently engages families, to students, staff, and the Clinton Community
School District.
educators, and community members in the
decision-making process. Known for empow- Courtesy of the Wisconsin Rural Schools
Named WiRSA Principal of the Year ering teachers and celebrating the potential of Alliance
every student, she embodies the very best of
WiRSA Rural Principal of the Year. Stewart rural education leadership.
is recognized for her outstanding leadership, WiRSA is honored to recognize Erika
innovative practices, and commitment to Stewart for her remarkable contributions to www.clinton.k12.wi.us
student success, including the creation of the education and her unwavering commitment
Continuous Improvement Team to strengthen
teaching and learning, the Culture Club to
foster inclusion, and her guidance in uniting
staff and students during a major district tran- Ana Báez is 2026 Wisconsin School
sition. Her dedication to students, staff, and
the broader Clinton community exemplifies
the very best in rural education leadership. Counselor of the Year Continued from Page 1
Among her many accomplishments, • This is a 31% decrease in the total Báez will be recognized as the 2026
Erika’s leadership was instrumental during the number of freshmen failing. Wisconsin School Counselor of the Year in
district’s reorganization from three buildings November at the WSCA Annual Conference
to two, a complex transition she managed with Báez also identified financial barriers in Wisconsin Dells.
clarity, collaboration, and care, uniting staff facing immigrant students and led efforts to WSCA will forward Báez to be con-
and students into a cohesive, high-functioning secure 18 years of guaranteed scholarships, sidered for the national 2027 ASCA School
team. funded through local fundraising, Herb Counselor of the Year award. Báez will
“Erika brings out the best in her staff and Kohl Fellowship contributions, and commu- also represent Wisconsin during the ASCA
students, combining strength, kindness, fair- nity support. This sustainable scholarship School Counselor of the Year celebration in
ness, and compassion,” said Dr. Jim Brewer, fund has already opened doors for students February 2027.
District Administrator of the Clinton Com- who would otherwise lack access to higher
munity School District. “Her leadership has education.
The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Bucio-Rosas stated, “Ana has established
(WiRSA) is proud to announce that Erika not only advanced Clinton Junior/Senior High strong relationships with local restaurants mps.milwaukee.
Stewart, Principal of Clinton Junior/Senior School but has made a tremendous impact on and businesses to lead fundraising efforts that k12.wi.us
High School, has been named the 2025 our entire community.” sustain the Counseling Scholarship Fund.”
Stewart’s work extends beyond the class-