MONROE — The Monroe Excellence In Education Foundation, a component of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, recognizes an outstanding teacher, or team of teachers, in the School District of Monroe who exemplify the highest standards and practices of the teaching profession. The qualities include demonstrating distinguished performance in the classroom, professionalism, leadership, collegiality, innovation, creativity, and a commitment to students and their educational growth.

The award includes a $1,000.00 stipend to be used for professional development or classroom teaching materials. The Foundation presents this award annually, through funds provided by the Class of 1977 and EIE Special Projects Fund.

This year’s winner, Dan Saunders, exemplifies all of the characteristics this award represents, the foundation wrote in a press release. 

“He is an exceptional teacher, is well respected by students and staff, and an expert at what he does. He is a Master Teacher for the Project-Lead-the-Way program and has built a welding/machining program at Monroe High School that has contributed to the community and countless individuals,” the foundation wrote. “When his students complete his class, they are already close to what they will need to accomplish to complete the welding program at Blackhawk Technical College or to enter immediately into a machining or welding career. His work ethic, community engagement skills, and ability to connect with students have made this program one of the finest around. He is a valued and respected staff member that represents all that is great about the teaching profession.”