Staff & Community Awards

Westonka Education Minnesota is excited to present the Westonka Teacher of the Year program. WEM will be collecting nominations from staff, students, parents and community members.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Teach pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Hold at least a bachelor's degree and a Minnesota teaching license.
• Have completed at least five full years of teaching by nomination deadline.
• Intend to teach during the next school year.

Please consider nominating an outstanding Westonka educator!

The Westonka School District established a new award in 2018 especially for non-licensed staff. Called the Westonka Way Award, it celebrates non-licensed staff members who go above and beyond for Westonka families, students and other staff — because that's the Westonka Way!

Anyone may nominate an employee for the award by using the link to a Google Form found in the Quick Links box. The award will be given monthly, and going forward, all nominations received by the 20th of the month will be eligible to be considered for the next month. Once someone is nominated, the nomination will stay active the rest of the school year. Winners will receive a gift certificate from a local business. 

Eligibility Requirements for Nominators

• Anyone may nominate an employee for the Westonka Way Award (another employee, parent, student, community member, etc.)
• Self-nominations are not accepted
• Unlimited nominations per nominator are accepted
• Nominations will be by Google Form

Eligibility Requirements for Nominees

• Current employee of Westonka School District or district contractor when nomination is submitted
• Employee can be either full- or part-time (no FTE requirement)
• Has not previously received a Westonka Way Award

Selection Criteria

• Is a non-licensed employee serving in a role such as a paraprofessional, food service employee, community ed staffer, custodian, office staff member or school bus driver
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and a thorough understanding of job responsibilities.
• Serves as a positive role model for students and staff.
• Goes beyond the basics by displaying initiative and creativity and showing genuine respect and concern for others including fellow employees, students and community members.
• Contributes significantly to improving the work site or school district.
• Demonstrates a desire to continue to grow and learn professionally.
• Demonstrates Westonka Pride.

Selection Committee

• Administrative Team

All nominated employees are truly outstanding! Please keep in mind that, with one selection per month, not all nominees can be chosen for this award. Thoroughly completed nomination forms with supporting examples are easier to consider and weigh against those that give limited supporting information. Once submitted, nomination forms will be kept on file for the school year and will continue to be considered. Nominees who have not been chosen are eligible to be nominated again the next year.