Teacher of the Year

2026 Teacher of the Year

Lori Kiene, fourth grade
Southeast Elementary, Ankeny

L–R: Lori Kiene, education director Dan Jones, president Ruth Haus

Lori brings history to life for her students through immersive, hands-on learning. A passionate advocate for social studies education, she works to bridge the gap between classroom curriculum and real-world experience. For more than 20 years, Lori has coordinated annual visits to Living History Farms, alongside various agricultural learning experiences that allow students to actively engage with the past and present. As a proud native Iowan, she shares her deep love for the state’s rich heritage with genuine enthusiasm. Recognizing that many of her students have had limited opportunities to travel, she generously shares her own personal travel expertise and insights to enrich lessons on the regions of the United States.

Lori resides in Ankeny with her husband, Dana. She is the mother of two daughters, Addyson and Ainsley. Lori enjoys running and walking her dog, Leo. As an avid reader, she is every student’s go-to person for book recommendations. She is a treasured member of her team, school, and church community.

Teacher of the Year Award

Teachers of the Year are recognized at Living History Farms’ annual Farmstasia event and receive:

• Commemorative plaque
• Invitation to become an ad hoc member of the Living History Farms’ Education Advisory Committee
• Free admission to Farmstasia event for two people
• Free field trip for up to 50 students in spring 2027 (Valid during general season hours and dates; does not cover the cost of transportation; not valid for adults; advance registration required)

Eligibility

• The recipient must be a K-12 teacher in Iowa who incorporates a program or tour of Living History Farms into their classroom curriculum.
• Members of the LHF Education Advisory Committee are not eligible.

Who Can Nominate a Teacher

Nominations can come from the teacher, the teacher’s principal, superintendent, school board member, peer, or a parent of one of the teacher’s students.

Nomination Form

2026 nominations are closed. Teacher of the Year will be announced October 2.

Previous Award Winners

2010: Veralynn Schilling, second grade, Abbie Sawyer Elementary School, Ames

2011: Betty Peterson, third grade, Baxter Elementary School, Baxter

2012: Jackie Scieszinski, seventh grade, Indian Hills Junior High, West Des Moines

2013: Kris Bigler, fifth grade, North Winneshiek Schools, Decorah

2014: Jeanine Lynch, second grade, Lawson Elementary School, Johnston

2015: Lynda Niffenegger, fifth grade, Crossroads Park Elementary School, West Des Moines

2016: Jenny Sinclair, fourth grade, Lakewood Elementary, Norwalk

2017: Sr. Donna Demmer, fifth grade, Resurrection Catholic School, Dubuque

2018: Darice Pamperin, third grade, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, West Des Moines

2019: Debbie Wiley, third grade, Eason Elementary, Waukee