2021 Teacher of the Year Recipients:

Early Childhood Director of the Year
Rachel Miliacca
Grace Lutheran Early Childhood Center, Oak Creek

Early Childhood Teacher of the Year
Alison Pipkorn
First Immanuel, Cedarburg

Elementary Teacher of the Year
Sarah Schultz
St. John’s, West Bend

High School Teacher of the Year
Matthew Thiel
Sheboygan Lutheran High School

Monday – January 25  –  Early Childhood

Wednesday – January 27 – High School
Matthew Thiel teaches music at Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School. In this role he also leads the Symphonic Band, Konzertchor, Jazz Band, Chamber Choir, Pep Band and Music Theory. Matthew wrote that his “philosophy of music education is built on the pillars of engaging the mind, touching the heart, and comforting the soul.” Additionally, Matthew wrote “a Lutheran school’s music department should look, act, and feel different than ‘the school down the road.’” Matthew has a passion for teacher leadership and individualized education.

Thursday – January 28 – Early Childhood Administrator
Rachel Miliacca is the Early Childhood Director at Grace Lutheran Early Childhood Center in Oak Creek. She has served in a variety of positions in the center since 2011. Prior to her employment in the center, she served as a Teacher Aide in the day school in both paid and volunteer roles. Prior to her arrival, the center was a 2-star school and on the verge of closing.  Her congregation president writes that Rachel led the center to a 5-star rating with the National Accreditation Commission and YoungStar Wisconsin through “her deep faith, total dedication, expertise and caring for our children and parents alike.” Pastor Taggatz says, “Rachel is a wonderful role model and Christian Educator. Her devotion to the parents, the students, and staff at Grace Early Childhood Center is wonderful. She truly cares for her staff and the families that she works with. During this Covid-19 Pandemic, Rachel has shown great leadership and patience as she daily works with the challenges that this state of emergency has brought to our Early Childhood Center. She is a wonderful blessing to our ministry here at Grace!” Pictured from left to right – Steve Gettelman, Principal, Grace Lutheran School, Oak Creek, Rachel Miliacca and Pastor John Taggatz, Grace Lutheran Church, Oak Creek.

Congratulations Dauna Werner! Dauna was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2019 Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher Award. Ms. Werner teaches 3 PreK classes at St. Paul Lutheran in Grafton, Wis. She was selected by LEA’s Early Childhood Network leadership team.

Dauna graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, both from Concordia University Wisconsin. She is also a graduate of the School Leadership Development Project (SLED). Previously, she taught at three other Wisconsin schools.

In support of Dauna’s nomination, one parent said, “One day while we were driving home from school, [my son] stated that he had forgotten to tell Mrs. Werner something. We proceeded to asked him what it was, and he answered, ‘That I love her.’ This is evidence of the trusting relationship she builds with each child to allow them to grow and flourish.”

Dauna’s principal also commented. “When walking into Dauna’s classroom, you will find a room that is full of positive learning opportunities. Dauna’s friendly and engaging attitude endears her to her young students. Her classroom embodies our motto of being ‘Focused on Excellence…Centered on Christ.’ Dauna inspires her students to ‘give things a try,’ and activities are modeled through learning strategies that bring about success. She leads a team of three teachers and five aides in our PreK program.”

Ms. Werner’s pastor adds, “This past summer, Dauna went on a mission trip to Cambodia to work with Crossing Cambodia. The trip with five others, including myself, focused on sharing the love of Jesus and to work with street children and Crossing Cambodia’s staff. While overseas, I lost my voice and became ill. Dauna, knowing the importance of Christian devotions, stepped up without being asked and led us in devotions and prayer time. Her words from God’s Word were timely, uplifting, and helpful on this journey.”

Dauna says of her mission, “Raised in a Christian home of educators, God began nurturing my gifts to work with children at an early age. Helping my parents work in their classrooms, I learned firsthand what it meant to be a servant leader. As a child’s first formal classroom teacher, parents look to me for guidance as they begin their educational journey with their child. My classroom is centered on Jesus Christ as our Savior and friend. I pray that the children and families under my care will grow to know Jesus and see how he is an important part of their everyday lives.”