November 2025 Excellence in Education Awards
- Jessica Applewhite
- 46 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Jerome Jt. School District No. 261
125 4th Avenue West Jerome, Idaho 83338
Telephone (208) 324-2392 • FAX (208) 324-7609
Mr. Brent Johnson, Superintendent of Schools
The Jerome School District and Jiffy Lube/Burton Group announce the Excellence in Education recipients for November, 2025: Horizon Elementary Teacher, Anne Winder; Falls City Academy Teacher, Curtis Neilson; & Jerome High School Para, Roberto Garcia.
The Excellence in Education Award recipients for November, 2025 are:
Elementary Certified Recipient: Anne Winder
Elementary certified recipient: Anne Winder, was nominated by her colleague: “Anne Winder is one of the most incredible teachers I’ve ever met. Not only is she a wonderful human, she is also a phenomenal educator and teammate. She leads the 5th grade with high love and high expectations. She pours her heart into teaching, and is aware of each of the 81 kids in her classroom. So much so that kids are now putting on their papers “I am good at math!” She makes students and adults alike feel seen, loved, and believe that they can reach their potential.”
Secondary Certified Recipient: Curtis Neilson
Secondary certified recipient: Curtis Neilson, was nominated by two of his students: “He is an amazing teacher and deserves a lot of respect. He helps when it’s needed and he is always there for his students. He’s a great teacher.”
“Curtis Nielson should be nominated for the Excellence in Education award because he is a really great teacher who is good at teaching us History, Government, Economics and English. He is able to connect with his students which is cool. He always makes time for students and he will help with anything that they need. He is cool to talk to and he's fun.”
Classified Staff Recipient: Roberto Garcia
Classified staff recipient: Roberto Garcia, was nominated by a colleague with these statements: “Roberto Garcia goes above and beyond for his EL students. I think we can all admit that the EL program is underfunded, and then understaffed, but with people like Mr. Garcia involved, it sure does run smoothly. He is always a happy and smiling face to see in the halls. Saying hello to every staff member and every student he can. He works tirelessly for his students to get them the best opportunities and education that he can. He uses his ability as a multi-language communicator to step in for any needs- 504s, IEPs, parent meetings, etc. He uses this ability to make Jerome High School a better place, showing that the skills we have learned really can change and impact others. He is always willing to answer questions, help our non Spanish speaking faculty communicate with their students, and meets students in their needs- and he does all of this with a positive attitude and smile. In fact, I don't think I have ever heard Mr. Garcia say a negative thing about a situation, student, or staff. During PSAT, SAT, and ACCESS testing, he ran himself ragged, helping test students, and ensuring that what they missed from class (because of their test) is available to them and helping them. Through all that he does, he shows up for students with their extracurricular activities, supporting them wherever he can (the students LOVE him). Mr. Garcia goes above and beyond every time he steps in the doors of JHS- and I really believe we could all learn from his positive attitude and his willingness to use his skills to help students and staff alike.”
The Excellence in Education Award program began in 2016 and continues through the 2025-2026 school year and has recognized the district’s outstanding teachers and classified staff each month, for a full list of award recipients contact the district office. The Jerome School District presents each recipient a plaque with a $50 gift card provided by Jiffy Lube/Burton Group at the monthly school board meetings.
