Document Type

Press Release

Publication Date

5-3-2012

Abstract

Two state secondary educators will be honored Sunday, May 6 with Lawrence University’s 2012 Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin Award.

Jeffrey Stiedaman and Benjamin Swanson, teachers at Whitefish Bay and Drummond high schools, respectively, will receive a certificate, a citation and a monetary award from Lawrence President Jill Beck in ceremonies at the president’s house. In addition, Lawrence will provide their respective schools with $250 for library acquisitions.

Nominated by Lawrence seniors, recipients are selected on their abilities to communicate effectively, create a sense of excitement in the classroom, and motivate their students to pursue academic excellence while showing a genuine concern for them in and outside the classroom. Since launching the award program in 1985, Lawrence has recognized 58 high school teachers.

A native of Rosendale and a graduate of Laconia High School, Stiedaman joined the Whitefish Bay High School faculty in 2003. Spanning grades 9-12, he teaches social studies, world history, psychology, and AP psychology. He has served as an advisor to the student council, coached the freshman baseball team and is currently involved with the school district’s mentoring program for new teachers.

An Energetic, Passionate Teacher

In nominating him for the award, Lawrence senior Cam Blegen described Stiedaman as an “energetic, passionate” teacher who embraces the roles of advisor, mentor and role model.

“Mr. Stiedaman’s students are able to achieve success because he makes the subject fun, exciting and relevant to each and every student,” wrote Blegan, a 2008 graduate of Whitefish Bay High School. “He motivates his students to strive for excellence by doing the same in his own teaching. My experiences in his classroom solidified my interest in medicine and the skills I learned in his classroom helped me achieve success at Lawrence.”

Stiedaman earned a bachelor’s degree in history from UW-Madison and a master’s degree in education from Marian University.

Swanson has taught at Drummond High School since 2006 after beginning his teaching career in the Solon Springs School District in 2004. In addition to 9th-grade civics and 10th-grade U.S. history, Swanson teaches junior and senior class level courses in sociology, economic theory, modern U.S. history, current issues and a political science course focused on criminal and social justice issues.

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