Eisenhower Elementary School educator named Wisconsin Teacher of the Year

By Shelley Walcott

CREATED Sep. 5, 2012

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  • Shelley Walcott reports Video by 620wtmj.com

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WAUWATOSA- As students and teachers filed into the Eisenhower Elementary School gymnasium, State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tony Evers let them know this was no ordinary assembly.

"While there's many outstanding educators and teachers in Wisconsin and right here in Wauwatosa, one of the most outstanding teachers is here in this school." said Dr. Evers.

In fact, Wisconsin's Elementary School Teacher of the Year was in the room, as Dr. Evers made the surprise announcement:

"Please join me in congratulating Nancy Terrian."

Mrs. Terrian is a third and fourth-grade teacher who has taught at Eisenhower for over 20 years.  As part of the Teacher of the Year honor she receives $3,000 from the Herb Kohl Foundation.  Mrs. Terrian also teaches tennis to underprivileged children, and participates in PTO at Eisenhower.

"I think teaching is the best profession in the world," she said.  "And the reward is not a paycheck, it's the reward you get from your children."

And children like Kristin Flieri's son feel lucky to have her:  "When he was sick he didn't want to stay home, he wanted to go to school to be in Mrs. Terrian's class."

Which is why Mrs. Terrian says she wouldn't trade her job for anything.  "It means everything to me," she said.

Nancy Terrian will now compete with three other teachers to be Wisconsin's nominee to the National Teacher of the Year program.  If selected $6,000 award from the Herb Kohl Foundation.