LA PORTE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS NAME 2026 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR AND EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

a Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) has named its 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Employee of the Year. Jeanette James-Raymond was named the 2026 LPCSC Elementary Teacher of the Year, Daniel Jeffers the 2026 LPCSC Secondary Teacher of the Year, and Brandon Williams the 2026 LPCSC Employee of the Year. In the days leading up to the May 14 Evening with the Stars Gala, the three honorees were surprised at their respective school buildings, where they were celebrated by their students and colleagues. They were formally recognized at the LPEDF Evening with the Stars gala that took place on Thursday, May 14, alongside the Top Ten finalists in each category.

“We have exceptional educators and team members, and these three individuals represent the very best that LPCSC has to offer,” said Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood. “Their dedication to students, their colleagues, and the mission of public education is evident every day in our classrooms, buildings, and the wider Slicer community. We are honored to recognize them and grateful for the impact they make.” 

Elementary Teacher of the Year: Jeanette James-Raymond 

Jeanette James-Raymond teaches Pre-K Inclusion and Transitional Kindergarten Inclusion at Little Learners Early Childhood Center. A 38-year veteran of early childhood education with 20 years at LPCSC, she co-led the launch of the district’s first Transitional Kindergarten classroom during the 2025-2026 school year. She is a certified trainer in the HighScope curriculum, a mentor teacher, and a member of the district’s Autism and Safety Teams. James-Raymond holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and completed graduate coursework at Indiana University South Bend. 

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Daniel Jeffers 

Daniel Jeffers is in his 25th year at La Porte High School, where he has served as Social Studies Team Leader since 2014, is a member of the Staff Leadership Team, and has been a College Board AP Reader since 2012. Jeffers was a finalist for the 2023 Indiana American Legion Educator of the Year and the 2022 IATCCC AAA Track Coach of the Year. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University in 2001 and a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University South Bend in 2006, and continues to serve LPCSC as a track and cross country coach. 

Employee of the Year: Brandon Williams 

Brandon K. Williams has served as Head Custodian at Indian Trail Elementary for three years and has been with LPCSC for nearly eight years. A 2004 La Porte High School graduate and 12-year U.S. Army veteran, Williams is a Blazer Buddies mentor, the Freshman Head Football Coach and Offensive Coordinator at La Porte High School, and the president of SCAL Local 1. He is known throughout Indian Trail for his attention to detail, consistent presence in students’ lives, and deep commitment to the La Porte community. 

LPCSC Top Ten Teachers and Employees of the Year 

In addition to the district winners, LPCSC recognizes the 2026 Top Ten finalists in each category, selected through a competitive, rubric-based review process. 

2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year Top Ten Finalists 

• Kim Glenn, Kingsbury Elementary 
• Hayley Gust, Riley Elementary
• Jeanette James-Raymond, Little Learners Early Childhood Center 
• Linda Nelson, Kingsford Heights Elementary 
• Lindsay Overton, Handley Elementary 

2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year Top Ten Finalists 

• Joe Clark, La Porte High School 
• Daniel Jeffers, La Porte High School 
• Taylor Stafford, Kesling Intermediate School and La Porte Middle School
• Amy Strieter, La Porte Middle School 
• Mike Tuholski, La Porte High School 

2026 Employee of the Year Top Ten Finalists 

• Tom Brown, Breakfast/Lunch Aide, Handley Elementary 
• Kim Clark, Special Education Instructional Assistant, Little Learners Early Childhood Center 
• Michelle Copeland, Bus Driver, Kingsford Heights Elementary 
• Peggy Irvin, Administrative Assistant, Kingsford Heights Elementary
• Nicole Levandoski, Food Service, Crichfield Elementary 
• Kristin Ramos, Nurse, Kesling Campus 
• Amanda Rangel, Special Education Instructional Assistant, Unity Program
• Sarah Rinkel, Secretary and Title I Assistant, Hailmann Elementary 
• Brandon Williams, Custodian, Indian Trail Elementary 
• Shannon Woods, Classroom Assistant, Crichfield Elementary