2025 Gladbrook-Reinbeck Teacher of the Year recipients Dayna Eckhoff (left) and John Olson (center) pictured on May 23 at Oak Leaf Country Club alongside presenter Matt Wyatt (right). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

REINBECK – At the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District end of the year staff breakfast held on Friday, May 23, at Oak Leaf Country Club, Matt Wyatt, Worshipful Master at Coin Masonic Lodge in Reinbeck, presented the 2025 Gladbrook-Reinbeck Teacher of the Year Awards to a pair of deserving recipients: Mrs. Dayna Eckhoff and Coach John Olson.

Each year the Masons show their appreciation for public school teachers by choosing an outstanding teacher who exhibits the standards of Conduct, Courtesy, Responsibility, Honesty, Cheerfulness, Kindness, Consideration of Others, and Community Involvement. The local recipients receive a crystal apple and certificate, and may then apply for the Grand Lodge of Iowa Teacher of the Year, which is presented at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in September.

Mrs. Dayna Eckhoff

Mrs. Eckhoff is a kindergarten teacher who has been with G-R for the past four years while teaching for 14 years in total. Eckhoff has used and taught the district-supplied curriculum with fidelity. She supports the overall well-being of all of her students and has also found ways to support the whole building by applying for grants and getting items for the elementary building. Each day Eckhoff shows up happy, positive, and ready to make a difference with her students.

Coach John Olson

2024 G-R Teacher of the Year recipient Nicole Creswell, left, pictured alongside presenter Matt Wyatt. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Coach Olson has been teaching at G-R for 23 of his 24 years in education. His biggest strength in his tandem role as the district’s junior high activities director and elementary/secondary P.E. teacher is his ability to make relationships with kids. Teaching is 90% relationship and 10% curriculum. This is what sets Olson apart as an educator. He builds relationships with both staff and students. Olson has also been Head Football Coach at G-R for many years, leading the Rebels to two state championships and two state runners-up finishes.

Past Teachers of the Year

The 2024 Teacher of the Year was Mrs. Nicole Creswell, and the 2023 Teachers of the Year were Mrs. Brenda Egesdal and Mr. Greg Tessendorf.

2023 G-R Teacher of the Year recipients Brenda Egesdal (left) and Greg Tessendorf (right) pictured alongside presenter Matt Wyatt (center). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO