McLain named 2017 Wisconsin Rural School Teacher of the Year

WiRSA Board Member, Julie Kodl, left, with Kay McLain and WiRSA Executive Director Kim Kaukul presenting the 2017 Rural School Teacher of the Year Award.

The Wisconsin Rural School Association (WiRSA) Board of Directors and its Executive Director, Kim Kaukl, recognized Florence County High School business education teacher and Fab Lab director, Mrs. Kay McLain, as the 2017 Rural School Teacher of the Year at its annual conference. The award was presented at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center on October 30 in Wisconsin Dells during a luncheon at WiRSA’s annual conference. WiRSA annually recognizes one rural teacher statewide who makes significant contributions to their school district, most importantly to the students they serve. McLain is automatically a semifinalist for the National Monsanto Fund Rural Teacher of the Year competition sponsored by the National Rural Education Association.

McLain was nominated by Florence School District Administrator Ben Niehaus who said she far exceeded criteria for the award. “This award acknowledges the devotion of Kay, along with her supporting colleagues, to never be satisfied with the status quo in the interest of student success and opportunities…the persistence of Kay’s leadership is contagious throughout the high school,” said Niehaus.

For the full story, see this week’s issue of The Florence Mining News.