The bleachers at Northeast Elementary School were filled with students and employees waiting for the start of the annual student-employee basketball game. Already pumped up for the competition, the audience erupted in cheers and applause when Principal Diane Schumacher announced that veteran teacher Teri Howe had been named Ashford University’s “Teacher of the Year.”

In presenting an oversized $500.00 check for classroom supplies to Howe, Ashford University vice president and campus director John Ballheim noted that she was the “Teacher of the Year” for the entire area, not just the Northeast school district.

This is the fourth year that Ashford has presented the award. To be eligible, teachers must be employed at a public or private K-12 school in the Iowa counties of Clinton, Scott, or Jackson; the Illinois counties of Carroll, Whiteside, or Rock Island; or any school district that has hosted Ashford University student-teacher clinical placements.

Howe has been teaching at Northeast for 33 years; currently she is a co-athletic director and teaches elementary physical education. She has also coached several sports, including a 33-year stint with the middle school girls’ basketball team. Previously, she taught middle school and high school P.E. and drivers’ education.

“When thinking about the qualities that a highly effective physical education teacher should possess, Teri immediately comes to mind,” Erik Johnson, a faculty member in Ashford’s College of Education, told the audience. “She exhibits an enthusiastic and positive attitude at all times. Teri serves as a positive role model to her students by exemplifying personal health and fitness and the overall enjoyment of having an active lifestyle.”

Mindy Dunlap, another Ashford faculty member, added: “In addition to her excellent qualities as a physical education teacher, Teri has provided service to the teaching profession by working with teacher candidates in the physical education licensure track at Ashford University. Within the past three school years, Teri has worked with nine teacher candidates in experiences ranging from field experience, practicum, and student teaching. Throughout those experiences, she actively involves the teacher candidates in her classroom and she shares her wealth of knowledge with them as well. She has been a wonderful mentor to Ashford students and is truly deserving of this prestigious award.”

Howe, who received her bachelor of science degree from Wartburg College, is active at the Elvira Zion Lutheran Church and serves on the leadership, character and wellness committees at Northeast. She and her husband Jeff have been married for 30 years and have three children and one granddaughter.

Howe, along with the three winners of Ashford teacher education scholarships, will be recognized during Ashford University Night with the Clinton LumberKings on Friday, April 19 at Ashford University Field.

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.