Leanna Koepp Named 2024 Westonka Teacher of the Year

April 8, 2024 — Leanna Koepp, a fourth grade teacher at Shirley Hills Primary School, has been named 2024 Westonka Teacher of the Year. Westonka Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Borg surprised Koepp in front of her students, family and staff at Shirley Hills on Friday morning, April 5.

Representing each of Westonka's school buildings, candidates for the district’s top teaching award are nominated by their colleagues, students and community members for their exceptional commitment to student learning. Koepp's fellow nominees were Gretchen Chilson from Mound Westonka High School, Joey (Martin) Sevre from Grandview Middle School, Brianna Vogtlin from Hilltop Primary School and Meredith Braget from Westonka Early Learning. Koepp and Braget were also among the 159 candidates for 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

[Read more about the 2023-2024 building teachers of the year]

Koepp has taught both kindergarten and fourth grade at Shirley Hills since coming to the district in 2005. In her over 20 years of teaching in elementary classrooms, Koepp said that one of the most important lessons she has learned is modeling respect and empathy. 

“I strongly believe that every student is capable of learning as long as we, as educators, meet them where they are at, provide them the tools they need and help break down barriers that may be in their way,” said Koepp. “It is so important for students to see and understand that respect and empathy goes two ways; It is something we need to give in order for it to come back to us.”

“When a student feels seen, is respected and is regulated with their emotions, they have the power and potential to learn so much,” Koepp added. “As a teacher, I am just their guide and cheerleader, helping them achieve those goals along the way.”

In his recommendation letter to the Minnesota Teacher of the Year committee, Shirley Hills Principal Scott Eidsness wrote, “What I am privileged to see everyday is that Leanna is so conscientious and supportive of her students and their family’s needs and gives her all to support them.” As one example, Eidsness described Koepp’s many efforts to ensure Shirley Hills students are well-prepared for the transition to middle school. 

“Ms. Koepp is constantly reflecting on our system and finding ways to ease the minds of our students and their families about their next steps,” wrote Eidsness. “Over the years, our students and families have expressed sincere gratitude for our fourth grade team’s ability to support and guide them through the transition. Ms. Koepp has been a key leader in these transition efforts.”

In another recommendation letter, former school parent Melissa Gombola wrote of Koepp’s calm demeanor and her commitment to supporting the whole child. “Teachers are put under a lot of pressure these days, and Leanna always makes sure that her students feel safe, seen and heard,” Gombola wrote. “She allows each student to be themselves, and prioritizes their mental health in the classroom. She gives space for growth and development, and shares her light and love with everyone.”

Koepp will be recognized, along with her fellow building teachers of the year, district retirees and the Ann Bremer White Hawks Award winner, at the Westonka Staff Recognition event May 3 at the Westonka Performing Arts Center.