Dana Krejcarek
Science Teacher
Kohler High School, Kohler, WI 

Ms. Krejcarek has been presenting at professional, educational conferences all across the nation each year since 2000. Ms. Krejcarek has written grants to help fund academic initiatives,and she has served as a Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching reviewer for the National Science Foundation. Ms. Krejcarek has received numerous teaching awards such as the Kohler School District Teacher of the Year and Strathmore’s Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and physics from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and a Master of Arts in education from Marian College.

An educator for 34 years, Ms. Krejcarek explains that she has “grown, changed, and expanded to adapt and embrace new students, environments, technology, and content.” She states, “I strongly believe that all students possess the capacity to learn science and hold the potential to become members of a scientifically literate citizenry. I strive to stimulate their curiosity and to encourage them to ask meaningful questions about observations of their world and events occurring around them. Students desire to be valued and need interactive guidance. I offer relevant, rigorous, and demanding curricula. Students should be engaged in the process of science.” Ms. Krejcarek believes that education should be student-centered, and she views herself as a guide during the learning process. She is a self-prescribed “tutor, coach, cheerleader, and facilitator” in the classroom.

Kohler High School principal Quynh D. Trueblood states, “Ms. Krejcarek’s quest to learn and grow professionally is insatiable. The progression of Ms. Krejcarek’s commitment to learning and leading in her profession throughout her career provides a clear model of exemplary contribution and service to her professional community.” Ms. Krejcarek’s nominating student writes, “She is a persistent mentor, and does her job with excellent passion for the benefit of the student.”

Claes Nobel Educators of the Year

NSHSS is pleased to highlight our 2015-2016 Claes Nobel Educators of the Year, presented to ten exemplary educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and in life. These ten educators are among NSHSS’s student-nominated Claes Nobel Educators of Distinction, a program that recognizes educators who model best practices in teaching, are a positive influence for students and peers, and demonstrate outstanding leadership in education and community engagement. Since the inception of the Educators of Distinction program in 2004, NSHSS has recognized more than 38,000 educators worldwide.