FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – On Thursday, educators, employees, and everyone who helps make the kids at Fort Wayne Community Schools their best were celebrated.
However, a few stood out for all they do. FWCS named the employee and teacher of the year in surprise events.
The following was released:
2025 FWCS Elementary Teacher of the Year:
Whitney Young STEAM Early Childhood reading interventionist Dianne Joustra is the 2025 FWCS Elementary Teacher of the Year. Joustra’s education career spans four decades, and she has been in her current position for five years. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in early education. Joustra believes the most critical year of a child’s education starts when the child first enters the school doors. “I believe each child’s early foundation of skills should be strong enough to garner future learning blocks in order to guarantee future success,” Joustra said. “I am overjoyed to see young children learn to read and finally succeed in a skill that once was challenging. Each day my intent is to make a difference in the overall success of my students.”
Nominated by Dr. Crystal Bush: “I have been inspired by Miss Dianne. She works tirelessly to determine the students with specific reading needs, creates her groups, then maximizes every second of the short amount of time she gets to work with them! She has been able to work with groups each day this year, so she already graduated a ton of kids out of the program and took on more. She is incredible!”
Finalists: Jacob Barse, Northcrest Elementary School, Third Grade Stacey Brooks, Irwin STEM Magnet School, Kindergarten Isabel Collins, Harris Elementary School, First Grade Alison Lewis, Croninger Elementary School, Art Courtney Ruppert, Glenwood Park Elementary School, Fourth Grade
Scott Murray, Communications Manager 1200 South Clinton Street • Fort Wayne, IN 46802 • scott.murray@fwcs.k12.in.us Phone: 260.467.6369 • Cell: 260-888-9004
2025 FWCS Secondary Teacher of the Year:
South Side High School special education teacher Sierra Miranda is the 2025 FWCS Secondary Teacher of the Year. Miranda has worked for FWCS for five years. She creates a supportive and engaging learning environment with a purpose to empower students to reach their full potential and promote an admiration for lifelong learning. “I devote a tremendous amount of time to building relationships with my students so that I have an increased awareness of who they are, where they come from and where they would like to go,” she said. “Being the daughter of a longtime Fort Wayne Community Schools teacher, and an FWCS alum, I am proud to work for this district.”
Nominated by South Side Principal Zach Harl:
“Ms. Miranda has done a magnificent job supporting our students, teachers and staff as we have transitioned into 9th grade Schools of Success.
She not only builds trust with her students but also with their families. Even when she has to call parents to share information that isn’t positive, the parents trust that Ms. Miranda has and will do everything she can to help support their student. I have seen her handle very tough situations with grace and compassion. South Side is a better place to work and learn because Ms. Miranda is on our staff.”
Finalists:
Deanna Casiano, Amp Lab, Grow Lab
Mellissa Depew, Wayne High School, Freshman Seminar/Theater Director Rebecca Gerding, Towles Intermediate School, English Language Learners Nicole Hines, Northrop High School, Ninth Grade English
Adrianne McKaig, Memorial Park Middle School, Language Arts
2025 FWCS Employee of the Year:
Ellen Buhr, assistant manager at the Nutrition Process Center, is the 2025 FWCS Employee of the Year. Buhr has worked at Fort Wayne Community Schools for 18 years and has been in her current position for six years. She is an ambassador for FWCS by not only managing meals during the school year but also partnering with community partners to provide meals to children in the community through various programs. “By addressing the nutritional needs of students, we create an optimal environment for learning,” Buhr said. “Recognizing that a healthy body and mind are critical to cognitive development, we are steadfast in our commitment to meeting students’ nutritional needs while introducing new flavor profiles, fruits and vegetables into their diets to enhance their overall quality of life.”
Nominated by Nutrition Services Director Felipe Guerra:
“No challenge is too great for Ellen. She approaches every obstacle with a “can-do” attitude, proactively finding solutions and workarounds that benefit all. Her impact on FWCS Nutrition Services cannot be overstated. She is positive, proactive and deeply committed to both students and staff. She selflessly dedicates time after hours communicating with employees, completes tasks that lighten others’ workloads and drive improvements across all areas of our program. Her leadership, innovation and unwavering dedication make her the ideal choice for Employee of the Year.”
Finalists:
Shannon Foster, Blackhawk Middle School, School Counselor Karin Klinedinst, Bloomingdale Elementary School, Case Manager Holly Lichtsinn, Haley Elementary School, Licensed Therapist Keirstin Ramsey, Price Elementary School, Media Clerk
Alisha Walker, Amp Lab, Secretary Treasurer
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