2026 Staff Excellence Award Recipients
April 29, 2026
The recipient of each award will receive a plaque as well as an appreciation prize check in the amount of $2,500.
New Teacher Award
This award recognizes a new teacher or certified staff member who demonstrates outstanding commitment, dedication, and passion for their career and students. This individual is positive, compassionate, collaborative, and consistently puts students first. Eligible staff for this award are certified staff members who have been in the district for three or fewer years.
**The award this year goes to: Ashley Riesterer
Professional Leadership Award
This award recognizes any certified staff member who exhibits a high level of professionalism and leadership. Nominees for this award demonstrate a commitment to helping others, consistently going above and beyond expected work, and serving as an example of a highly effective educator. This is a person who takes the lead on initiatives, tasks, or assisting colleagues. They may be a quiet or vocal leader, but their presence makes a positive impact on others. Nominees for this award must be certified staff, including teachers, counselors, social workers, and other professional certified staff.
**The award this year goes to: Jen Leis
Heart of School Award
This award recognizes the exceptional contributions of support staff, including para-professionals, secretaries, administrative assistants, tech support staff, custodians, business office, and maintenance personnel. It is presented to an employee who demonstrates outstanding dedication and excellence in their field, whether through their direct work with students or their professional responsibilities. Nominees for this award are valued for the significant, though often unsung, impact they have in improving the Northland Pines School District. Nominees for this make the heart and soul of Northland Pines!
**The award this year goes to: Kayla Perez
Outstanding Team Player Award
This award is open to any staff member from any staff group in the District. It recognizes a Northland Pines School District staff member who exemplifies outstanding teamwork, consistently goes above and beyond, and is always ready to lend a helping hand, even if the task falls outside their required scope of work. This individual works hard to maintain positive relationships with everyone and contributes significant value to the success of the District in numerous ways.
**The award this year goes to: Karl Palm
Teacher of the Year Award
Nominees for this award are teachers viewed as exceptional in their work and are recognized as distinguished educators. This individual excels at developing relationships with staff, students, and families. The individual has a positive impact on our Professional Learning Community and most importantly, the individual provides high-quality instruction and has a significant impact on student learning, growth, and development. This individual consistently goes above and beyond as a role model and example for others.
**The award this year goes to: Steve Miller
