2026 Teacher of the Year Awards

GIPS Foundation Honors Six Educators and Staff with Teacher of the Year Awards

Grand Island Public Schools and Grand Island Public Schools Foundation kicked off the new school year by celebrating staff at their annual Welcome Back ceremony on August 5. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2026 Teacher of the Year awards, honoring six outstanding individuals across the district. 

This spring, the GIPS Foundation invited parents, students, and colleagues to recognize exceptional school staff. The response was overwhelming: more than 1,900 nominations were submitted for 499 individual staff members. A volunteer committee of retired teachers and GIPS Board Members evaluated the nominations to select this year’s winners.

Megan Danner, GIPS Specialist of the Year, said being honored in front of the entire district staff is something she won’t forget.

“It’s not something you expect when you go to work every day, it's just something you do and is natural,” said Danner, who is a social-emotional creative arts teacher at Engleman and Stolley Park elementaries. “To be recognized is awesome,” she continued, “but then to be extremely recognized is just surreal.”

Importantly, the Foundation shares every single nomination directly with the nominated staff members—a cherished tradition that gives educators a meaningful look at how they have touched the lives of students, families, and colleagues throughout the year.

Renae Brummund, GIPS Staff Member of the Year Renae Brummund said she cherishes getting to read her award nomination letters.

“I read every one of them more than once, and it puts a smile on my face every time I read them,” Brummund, who is a secretary at the O’Connor Learning Center preschool, said. “I feel valued and appreciated. Obviously my staff appreciates me, but I appreciate them just as much...I see the work they do every day, and they’re just as important as I am,” she added.

"Our staff work tirelessly for Grand Island students, and this program gives our community a chance to wrap their arms around them in gratitude," said Kari Hooker-Leep, Executive Director of the GIPS Foundation. "We are thrilled to recognize these six outstanding leaders and celebrate the incredible dedication across our entire district."

Eligible nominees include all active teachers, administrators, specialists, counselors, and support staff across the district. Winners in the teacher, specialist, and support staff categories receive a commemorative plaque and a $500 cash award. The administrator recipient receives a plaque alongside $1,000 in additional budget authority for their school or department.
 

The Teacher of the Year program is generously sponsored by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), celebrating 22 years of continuous partnership with the GIPS Foundation.

“We believe that a strong community invests in people,” said Jodi Rauert, financial advisor and Grand Island City Ambassador for FNBO, said. “We want to invest in our school system and the great things the teachers, administrators and other staff members are doing at their school,” Rauert added.

Danielle Dudo, GIPS Elementary Teacher of the Year, summed up why this honor means so much.

“There are so many amazing educators, and to be recognized as one of them is special,” Dudo, who teaches at Newell Elementary, said. “I love sharing my passion with others, I love helping other teachers, I love the kids; I love GIPS and what I get to do on a daily basis,” Dudo shared.

The following six people were named Teacher of the Year winners by the GIPS Foundation. 

For more information, contact: Kari Hooker-Leep, Executive Director, Grand Island Public Schools Foundation, (308) 385-5525 
or 308-390-0134 (cell),  khookerleep@gips.org.