Nominate AASD Staff

The purpose of the Educator of the Year award is to recognize the outstanding contributions to the education program of the Appleton Area School District by a teacher or professional educator (e.g., Student Services) from each level, elementary level (grades EC – 5) and secondary level (grades 6 - 12).

A secondary purpose of the award is to increase community awareness of the achievements and accomplishments of public schools, thus heightening respect for the education profession as a whole.

There will be one award granted in each category, elementary and secondary, in August of each school year. The winners will be presented with their award at an all-staff gathering held at the beginning of the school year or another suitable occasion, or means should this event not be held (preferably not in conjunction with other award ceremonies or graduation exercises).

Each entrant will receive a certificate of recognition, and each winner will receive a plaque and an unrestricted cash award of $1,000.

While it is planned to renew these awards annually, the Mielke Family Foundation may, with proper notice, terminate its sponsorship at any time.

The Selection Committee will be overseen by an Assistant Superintendent/School Services.

The Selection Committee will consist of the following AASD stakeholders:

• the Board of Education President,
• a community member and/or a parent,
• a teacher, and
• a student from one of the high schools.

The Selection Committee process will be facilitated by an AASD School Principal. It shall be the duty of the Selection Committee to select the winner of each award following the given considerations. Where there is no unanimous agreement, a majority vote shall decide the winner.

Nominees will be judged primarily on the significance of their contribution to the well-being of the educational
community and the impact of their contributions upon others.

Considerations of the selection committee will include:

1. Has the nominee provided unique service or achieved above and beyond what is expected in the usual staff assignment?
2. In what ways has the nominee beneficially affected each or any of the following areas: curriculum/educational program, school culture, family and community engagement, student engagement/relationships, and/or individual or group achievements?
3. What positive changes have resulted from the nominee's educational leadership?
4. Are there specific achievements or accomplishments of students that can be traced to the nominee's influence?
5. Is the nominee endorsed by representatives of other schools and community groups?

A. Each nomination is to be made on the form designed specifically for this purpose.
B. A Biographical Sketch is to accompany each nomination form, containing personal and educational background and employment history.
C. The nominee should describe their Philosophy of Teaching or their approach to their professional assignment.
D. Each nomination should be accompanied by letters of endorsement from students, teachers/colleagues, community members/parents, and administrators. Quantity is not a significant measure; rather, there should be a wide range of support demonstrated for the nominee.
E. The completed nomination package shall not exceed 18 pages.

The recommended makeup of the package follows:

• Biographical Sketch 2-page maximum
• Philosophy of Teaching 2 pages maximum
• Letters of endorsement:
  • From students, 2 letters, 1 page maximum per letter
  • From teachers/colleagues, 2 letters, 2 pages maximum per letter
  • From community members/parents, 2 letters, 2 pages maximum per letter
  • From administrators, 2 letters, 2 pages maximum per letter

The above information should be assembled in a suitable folder or loose-leaf binder and delivered as a complete entity with the completed nomination form to the Screening Committee (via the Scullen Leadership Center), on or before June 15. The nomination package should be in an 8½ x 11" format. Do not include photographs as part of the nomination package.

Nominations can be made after March 1 each year and must be received in the School Services office by June 15. The Selection Committee shall complete its selection by August 1.

Nomination Form

The purpose of the Support Staff of the Year award is to recognize the outstanding contributions to the education program of the Appleton Area School District by a support staff member.

The Support Staff category includes the following employee groups: administrative assistants, administrative support unit, custodial and maintenance, paraprofessionals, and substitutes.

A secondary purpose of the award is to increase community awareness of the achievements and accomplishments of public schools, thus heightening respect for the education profession as a whole.

There will be one award granted in each category, elementary and secondary, in August of each school year. The winners will be presented with their award at an all-staff gathering held at the beginning of the school year or another suitable occasion, or means should this event not be held (preferably not in conjunction with other award ceremonies or graduation exercises).

Each entrant will receive a certificate of recognition, and each winner will receive a plaque and an unrestricted cash award of $1,000.

While it is planned to renew these awards annually, the Mielke Family Foundation may, with proper notice, terminate its sponsorship at any time.

The Selection Committee will be overseen by an Assistant Superintendent/School Services.

The Selection Committee will consist of the following AASD stakeholders:

• Board of Education President,
• a community member and/or a parent,
• a teacher, and
• a student from one of the high schools.

The Selection Committee process will be facilitated by an AASD School Principal. It shall be the duty of the Selection Committee to select the winner of each award following the given considerations. Where there is no unanimous agreement, a majority vote shall decide the winner.

Nominees will be judged primarily on the significance of their contribution to the well-being of the educational community and the impact of their contributions upon others.

Considerations of the selection committee will include:

1. Has the nominee provided unique service or achieved above and beyond what is expected in the usual staff assignment?
2. In what ways has the nominee beneficially affected each or any of the following areas: curriculum/educational program, school culture, family and community engagement, student engagement/relationships, and/or individual or group achievements?
3. What positive changes have resulted from the nominee's educational leadership?
4. Are there specific achievements or accomplishments of students that can be traced to the nominee's influence?
5. Is the nominee endorsed by representatives of other schools and community groups?

A. Each nomination is to be made on the form designed specifically for this purpose.
B. A Biographical Sketch is to accompany each nomination form, containing personal and educational background and employment history.
C. The nominee should describe their Philosophy of Teaching or their approach to their professional assignment.
D. Each nomination should be accompanied by letters of endorsement from students, teachers/colleagues, community members/parents, and administrators. Quantity is not a significant measure; rather, there should be a wide range of support demonstrated for the nominee.
E. The completed nomination package shall not exceed 11 pages.

The recommended makeup of the package follows:

• Biographical Sketch 2-page maximum
• Approach to Professional Assignment 2 pages maximum
• Letters of endorsement:
  • From students, 1 letter, 1 page maximum per letter
  • From teachers/colleagues, 1 letter, 2 pages maximum per letter
  • From community members/parents, 1 letter, 2 pages maximum per letter
  • From administrators, 1 letter, 2 pages maximum per letter

The above information should be assembled in a suitable folder or loose-leaf binder and delivered as a complete entity with the completed nomination form to the Screening Committee (via the Scullen Leadership Center), on or before June 15. The nomination package should be in an 8½ x 11" format. Do not include photographs as part of the nomination package.

Nominations can be made after March 1 each year and must be received in the School Services office by June 15. The Selection Committee shall complete its selection by August 1.

Nomination Form

Helen and Ade Dillon taught in the Appleton Area School District for 23 and 35 years, respectively. During those years, they left a distinguished legacy in the community.

Helen taught at the elementary school level, English and Social Studies at the middle school level, and completed her career as a high school guidance counselor. In her retirement, Helen was an active volunteer for LEAVEN, Appleton Medical Center (now Thedacare Regional Medical Center- Appleton), and hospice. She also served as a volunteer English as a Second Language teacher.  

Ade taught Social Studies at Appleton West High School and was well-known as a coach. He used sports as an additional medium to continue the educational process. He was instrumental in starting programs in tennis, wrestling, and swimming at West High School. Ade was inducted as a charter member of the Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame and was awarded a Distinguished Service Award in the community. His players endearingly referred to him as a “builder of men.”

The Dillons’ dedication to education and values, and their commitment to students and the community, were accomplished with respect and professionalism. Together, they left their students with richer lives and left the community a better place.

The Helen & Ade Dillon Award recognizes an AASD staff member who encourages a balanced life for students through excellence in education and involvement in student activities outside of the classroom.

This staff member takes a personal interest in students’ moral, mental, and physical development, thereby enhancing students’ life skills and supporting continued growth in academics, fitness, and citizenship. This individual will have completed at least 5 years of employment with the Appleton Area School District.

To honor the Dillons’ legacy, an unrestricted cash award of $1,000 and a plaque will be presented to the Appleton Area School District award recipient at an all-staff gathering held at the beginning of the school year or another suitable occasion/event.  

The Selection Committee will be overseen by an Assistant Superintendent/School Services.

The Selection Committee will consist of the following AASD stakeholders:

• Board of Education President,
• a community member and/or a parent,
• a teacher, and
• a student from one of the high schools. 
• A Dillon family member will also join the Selection Committee if available.

The Selection Committee process will be facilitated by an AASD School Principal.

It shall be the duty of the Selection Committee to select the winner of the award following the given criteria. Where there is no unanimous agreement, a majority vote shall decide the winner.

Nominations for the annual award must be received by the AASD School Services Office no later than June 15. The award recipient will be determined by August 1.

Any district employee, student, parent, or community resident may nominate an AASD staff member using the nomination form below.

Only one person may nominate a staff member; however, additional letters of support from each category (parent, student, administrator, teacher, community) may be included with the nomination form. The total packet, including the nomination form, may NOT exceed 10 pages.  

Nomination Form