She teaches Science, Agri-Science at Big Foot Union High School
Lisa Konkel was recently honored as the Wisconsin Rural Teacher of the Year by the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping address challenges faced by rural school districts.
The honor was announced at the Alliance’s annual meeting on Oct. 14.
Konkel is a veteran teacher of 27 years and teaches Agri-Science and Science at Big Foot Union High School.
She is also the FFA Advisor for Big Foot and through her mentorship numerous students have found success at both the state and national level, with one of her students becoming a National FFA Officer.
In addition to her normal school activities, Konkel is a piano accompanist for students and student productions, and has worked with her students to help the community food pantry through the “Fuel Foods 4 Family” program.
She’s helped the hosting of a summer blood drive at the school, planned agricultural literacy events and worked with student volunteers to help support activities at the Discovery Barn at the Wisconsin State Fair.
In the community, Konkel leads the local 4-H club, runs a summer Agri-Science Camp for students 4 to 8 years old and she is a leader in organizing activities for the Walworth County Fair Discovery Barn.
“Lisa is an outstanding teacher who helps all students continually attain high levels of academic and personal success. Lisa uses innovation and creative instructional practices to engage her learners. Her leadership inside and out of our community in Agri-Science, science and FFA are matched by very few people in Wisconsin or the nation,” said District Administrator Doug Parker.
“Lisa collaborates extensively in the rural community at a local and state level to teach and promote Agri-Science. In my 27 years of education, Lisa is one of the best teachers I’ve ever worked with,” Parker said.
Parker nominated Konkel for the Wisconsin Rural Teacher of the Year award.
The plaque presented to Konkel reads, in part: “In recognition of your dedication to provide quality education for children in rural Wisconsin.”
This state award also qualifies Konkel as a semi-finalist for the National Rural Education Association Teacher of the Year Program for 2021.
Other award winners announced by the Alliance were:
- Duane Bark, district administrator of Markesan School District, Rural Administrator of the Year;
- Bill Clouse, Durand-Arkansaw High School/ Middle School, Rural Principal of the Year;
- Trevis Thompson, Cornell School District, Rural Support Staff Person of the Year;
- Bill Yingst, Durand-Arkansaw School District, Rural Board of Education Member of the Year, and;
- Michelle Ring Hanson, CESA 7, CESA Employee of the Year.
The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance was formed to help rural school districts address the unique issues that affect rural schools as they seek to achieve the highest quality education for every student.
Members include a cross-section of administrators, educators, school board members, post-secondary representatives, rural community members, business leaders, and other concerned individuals who want a strong voice for rural education.
For more information visit wirsa.org.
