South Sioux City Wins Again!
Diane Woodford Named NE Teacher of the Year

Diane Woodford, fifth grade teacher at Covington Elementary in South Sioux City was named the Nebraska Teacher of the Year Tuesday.  Nebraska Department of Education official Ann Masters was present to make the award to Woodford on behalf of Education Commissioner Doug Christensen.  Woodford was one of four finalists for the award.  She completed an interview in Lincoln last Friday, the final phase of the selection process. 

“We’re very proud of Diane”, said Steve Rector, Superintendent.  “She represents everything that is good about teaching.  She is dedicated to her profession and cares personally about the children she teaches.” 

“When you consider the community’s recent recognition as an All-America City and the Governor’s Showcase Community, this award for Diane really reinforces the quality of life in South Sioux City.  When we have a winner in Siouxland, we all win.” said Rector.

Woodford has been a teacher in the South Sioux City Community School district for 28 years and is a 1971 graduate of South Sioux City High School.  She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has a master’s degree from Morningside College.  She has numerous graduate hours beyond her master’s degree.  Diane and her husband David live in Sergeant Bluff.  They have two sons, Brian and Reed, both majoring in education at the University of Northern Iowa.

The Nebraska Teacher of the Year Award began in 1972.  This is the first time South Sioux City Community Schools has had a finalist.  Nominees had to complete an application and four finalists were selected to complete interviews.  A panel of educators conducted the interviews and made the final selection.  All finalists and the award winner will be honored in a ceremony in Lincoln on November 6.  All finalists receive an Award of Excellence and a $1,000 grant to use on an education project of their choosing.  In addition, Woodford will serve as Nebraska’s ambassador for education and compete for National Teacher of the Year honors.  The other finalists are from Omaha, Lincoln and Beatrice.  

For more information:
Sue Galvin                   Principal, Covington Elementary                  494-4238
Diane Woodford          Grade 5 Teacher, Covington Elementary     494-4238
Steve Rector               Superintendent of Schools                            494-2425
www.nde.state.ne.us