Riverton school officials honor Teachers of the Year, name district winner

(Riverton, WY) – Fremont County School District 25 recognized its top educators this month, highlighting Teachers of the Year from each Riverton school and naming a district winner who will go on to compete for the title of Wyoming Teacher of the Year.

During a Riverton School Board meeting last week, Assistant Superintendent Christina Mills said the annual recognition is one of her favorite moments of the year, highlighting educators who “do everything possible for our kids.”

“For a lot of (them) this is not just a profession – it really is a calling,” Mills said, adding, “We have some of the best.”

Riverton’s Teachers of the Year were nominated by students, staff members, and community members, Mills said, inviting local building administrators to introduce their honorees and highlight their accomplishments.

Aspen Elementary

For Aspen Elementary School Teacher of the Year Keri Nachazel, teaching isn’t “just about test scores and lesson plans,” Principal Scott McBride said this month – “it’s about the human connection that makes learning possible.”

“Step into Keri’s classroom and you’ll immediately feel the difference – a calm, focused classroom,” McBride said. “The day doesn’t start with a lecture – it starts with a song and a connection circle … giving students the quiet space they need to think and find their own voices.”

As the day continues, Nachazel “doesn’t just manage a classroom,” McBride continues – “she nurtures a community where … everyone gets what they need.”

“Keri is a master of intentional support,” McBride said. “Whether she is working one-on-one, leading a small group, or guiding the whole class, she adopts her approach in real time. Parents have shared that their children have gained a gift of loving to learn. We hear stories of students who actually count down the days of a long weekend or a holiday break – not because they want to go back to work, but because they can’t wait to get back to the atmosphere Keri has created.

“Keri, your colleagues say you’re top-notch. Your students’ parents say you’ve changed their lives. And your students simply say they don’t want to miss a single day of your teaching. For your unwavering belief that every student can exceed expectations and for making Aspen Elementary a place where every child feels they belong, it is my pleasure to recognize you as (our) Teacher of the Year.”

Rendezvous

Gaby Piplica – the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year from Rendezvous Elementary – is “an exceptional educator who is always actively engaged with her students, using a variety of instructional approaches – one-on-one, small group, and whole group – to ensure every learner is supported,” Principal NeCole Hernandez said.

“She has a remarkable ability to meet students where they are and help them grow in a positive, inclusive environment where all students feel valued and respected,” Hernandez said. “She is kind, caring, and dedicated. She values strong communication with families and puts forth a genuine investment of time in their children’s success.”

Community members have commented “time and again” that, “because of Mrs. Piplica, students not only make meaningful academic progress, but also develop a true love for coming to school,” Hernandez said.

“It is clear that she builds strong relationships and creates lasting, positive experiences for both students and their families,” she concluded. “I’m honored to present … Gaby Piplica, the Rendezvous Elementary Teacher of the Year.”

Willow Creek

There are “so many reasons” Shaily Kranz was selected as Willow Creek Elementary School Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026, Principal Robyn Johnson said, explaining that, “ultimately, the strength of a teacher can be measured by the motivation and engagement of the students in the classroom – their joy of being in the classroom with that particular teacher.”

That kind of environment leads to “limited behavior incidents,” Johnson said, “because the students understand the expectations, and they have a connection with the teacher and with other students that is fostered by the classroom teacher.”

A teacher’s abilities are also measured by “data that demonstrates academic growth and achievement,” Johnson noted.

“You can witness all of that in Shaily’s classroom – and she collaborates with every single adult in our building,” Johnson said. “(She) helps everybody out. Willow Creek is fortunate to have Shaily Kranz work at our building, and we’re proud that she was selected as the Willow Creek Teacher of the Year.”

Riverton Middle School

Karla Kucera earned the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Award at Riverton Middle School because of the “high level” connection she shares with her students, Assistant Principal Brady Slack said, describing Kucera as someone who is “incredibly flexible with her schedule, values the importance of cross-curricular planning, (and) has one of the most positive attitudes I have ever witnessed.”

Kucera was a “major reason” RMS was able to re-establish its restaurant project last year – an effort that demonstrates Kucera’s “ability to plan cross-curricular activities,” Slack said.

For example, he said, Kucera “incorporates math concepts by ensuring students not only measure the recipes (but also) total their food costs,” and her students write “business plans so they are prepared for projects in detail and show full understanding.”

“Karla’s positive attitude is contagious,” Slack said. “Students are inspired to work hard, do the job above and beyond, and feel a sense of enjoyment because Karla helps students believe in themselves.”

She also helps the students on the night of the event, assisting with planning the menu, ordering food, preparing meals, and cleaning up, Slack added.

“She just puts a ton of time into making sure that our school (is) represented in the best manner possible,” he said. “RMS is very thankful for this lady and all she does.”

Riverton High School

Riverton High School’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Ceira Roberts is “a dynamic teacher who finds different ways to present information to the students,” Principal Thomas Jassman said.

“When I go into her room, (I) see something different every time,” he said. “The students are always engaged. Her labs are engaging. Her activities are engaging. The students are learning.”

Jassman also shared some comments from Roberts’ nomination letters, which said she:

• makes learning engaging and meaningful
• helps all students grow and succeed
• builds strong relationships with students
• creates a positive and inclusive classroom
• connects learning to real life for the community
• leads or supports others at the school
• speaks up for students or the profession
• represents the school positively

“Ceira is a pro at helping her students perform at high levels of rigor,” Jassman said. “(She) has always done an amazing job of building up to harder concepts and offering extra help. She’s always been kind and engaged in every student’s life. … I’m honored to have Ceira Roberts as our RHS teacher of the year.”

Teacher of the Year

After all of the principals presented their Teachers of the Year to the school board last week, Mills announced that Kranz has been selected as FCSD 25 Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026, putting her in the running for Wyoming Teacher of the Year.

“It’s a great honor and it’s a great opportunity,” Mills said.