Bettendorf Community School District

Please join us in celebrating our Employees of the 1st Quarter!

The Employee of the Quarter Award recognizes Bettendorf Community School District staff who inspire exceptional service and attitude. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to their job and/or school involvement above and beyond expectations. We are #BETTerTogether

Abbey Dickens

Paraeducator
Herbert Hoover Elementary

Abbey Dickens is an exceptionally deserving candidate for Employee of the Quarter. From her days as an eager, compassionate third grader at Jefferson Elementary to her current role as a paraeducator, Abbey has consistently demonstrated kindness, dedication, and a genuine heart for others. In her work with kindergarten and special education students, she provides a calm, steady presence that helps children feel safe, understood, and supported. Students naturally gravitate toward her for comfort and reassurance, and she skillfully balances nurturing care with gentle accountability, helping them grow both academically and emotionally.

As a colleague, Abbey is truly invaluable. She anticipates the needs of both staff and students, often stepping in to help before anyone even needs to ask. Her organization, reliability, and quiet professionalism bring a sense of order and calm to the classroom and the building as a whole. She is a dependable teammate, a thoughtful communicator, and a positive influence on the entire school community. Abbey embodies the very best of what we hope for in our paraeducators, and it is a joy and privilege to enthusiastically recommend her for Employee of the Quarter.

Katie Hansen

Science Teacher
Bettendorf High School

Katie Hansen has been an outstanding leader for our science department. After stepping in as interim chair last year, she willingly took on the full role this year and has excelled in organizing, communicating, and guiding the team through ongoing changes in education. She created tools such as a standards-analysis spreadsheet and a shared document for staff concerns, ensuring transparency and alignment in our work. Remarkably, she manages all of this while raising two young children and completing her master’s degree in biology to expand dual-enrollment opportunities for students.

Beyond her leadership, Katie is an exceptional educator who focuses on developing students’ character, habits, and mindsets—not just their academic skills. Her National Honor Society speech about the importance of “the middle” reflects the values she models daily. In her classroom, students feel supported, challenged, and part of a true community. Katie also contributes significantly to our school through her work on the Building Leadership Team, consistently offering solutions and maintaining a positive, student-centered approach. She embodies the idea that great teachers shape people, not just content, and she is highly deserving of Employee of the Quarter.

Kim Haut

Transportation Aide
Operations

Kim serves special needs junior high and high school students on Route 16 with incredible dignity, compassion, and care. She never hesitates to assist riders so they can arrive at school or home in the best possible condition, whether they’re having a great day or a hard one. She takes time to talk with every student, regardless of their ability to communicate, and is especially thoughtful with those who may be struggling. Beyond the bus, Kim regularly connects with teachers, paras, and parents to better understand each student’s needs and help create a positive, consistent, and enriching experience for them.

Though she is relatively new to BCSD and the Transportation Team, Kim has already become a beloved and inspiring member of the Operations family. Her upbeat personality, constant smile, and willingness to jump in and help wherever needed show her deep commitment to students and colleagues alike. She’s helped others see that even the short time students spend on the bus can be an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their day. Kim Haut is an outstanding choice for Employee of the Quarter and a shining example of what it means to lead with heart, teamwork, and dedication.

Christy Haynes

Social Studies Teacher
Edison Academy

Christy is the kind of educator who consistently goes above and beyond for both students and colleagues. When there’s a need—whether it’s organizing information, creating spreadsheets, or finding new ways to support students—she jumps right in without hesitation. She takes the time to truly get to know her students and shares what she learns with the team so everyone can better support them. Even with a lot on her plate outside of school, Christy still finds the time to text students when they need something and always greets them with warmth and positivity, no matter what her day has brought.

As the Social Sciences teacher for Edison Academy and Academic Advisor for North Scott High School students who attend Edison, Christy has been a dedicated member of the Edison community since the 2005–2006 school year. Her unwavering commitment to building strong relationships with students and maintaining open communication with parents and guardians reflects her deep belief in every student’s potential. She works tirelessly to help them succeed not only in the classroom, but in their lives beyond graduation. Christy is a true educator in every sense—caring, invested, and wholeheartedly devoted to the success of all Edison students.

Miranda Madesian

Preschool Teacher
Grant Wood Elementary

Miranda is the kind of teacher who quietly makes a big difference every single day. She doesn’t just do her job—she pours her whole heart into it. The way she teaches helps students truly understand and remember what they’re learning, and it’s clear how much they love and appreciate her. Whether she’s leading discussions in BLT, supporting students through SST, or stepping in to help a teammate, Miranda can always be counted on. Her kindness, selflessness, and willingness to go above and beyond make her a steady source of support for both students and staff.

In her classroom, Miranda creates a space where students feel safe, valued, and understood. She takes the time to really know each child—their strengths, their challenges, and their stories—and she designs learning experiences that meet them exactly where they are. Her impact shows not only in academic growth, but in the confidence, joy, and comfort her students display each day. Miranda models what it means to lead with heart, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our school community.

Ellie McClean

Secretary
Mark Twain Elementary

Ellie goes above and beyond for our students and staff every single day. She not only manages her secretarial responsibilities with ease, but also steps in wherever she’s needed to keep things running smoothly. She juggles the constant chaos of a busy school with incredible skill, organization, and grace. Mark Twain truly would not function without her steady presence at the center of it all. Her dedication to our school, her collaborative spirit, and her willingness to do whatever it takes make her an essential part of our community.

What makes Ellie especially inspiring is the positivity she brings to each day. No matter what challenges arise, she shows up with a smile and a kind word for everyone. She treats every person—students, families, and staff—with warmth, patience, and respect. Her sense of humor keeps us all afloat and makes the hard days lighter and the good days even better. Ellie’s commitment to making Mark Twain the best it can be, paired with her genuine care for others, makes everyone around her want to show up as their best selves too.

Jennifer Meece

Behaioral Interventionist
Paul Norton Elementary

Jennifer goes above and beyond each day for the students and staff of Paul Norton. She hit the ground running this year, keeping our TLC program going and looping in our new counselor. She also juggled a few new students who needed her assistance frequently, while also supporting many students and paras in our special education programming. She has been a vital support to many new paras, giving them tips, tricks and pointers on how to deal with students having behaviors and stepping in across the building when we are short handed or just need a tap out.

I always appreciate her positive attitude, “can do” work ethic, and just her overall passion for students and staff at Paul Norton.

Ashley Sanders

Cook
Bettendorf High School

Ashley consistently goes above and beyond to improve the food experience for students at Bettendorf High School. She has led the way in developing homemade menu items, taking great pride in the quality of what is served each day. Her dedication and creativity were key factors in the district receiving national recognition for the positive menu changes at BHS. When the scanner system went down across the district, Ashley even volunteered to learn manual billing to keep things running smoothly and prevent the team from falling behind—showing her willingness to step outside her normal duties for the good of the whole system.

Her strong sense of teamwork and pride in her work have made Ashley an incredible asset to the Nutrition Department and the BCSD team. She understands how her role connects to the bigger picture and consistently models a “whole system” mindset. That perspective has inspired others in the kitchen to follow her example, collaborate more closely, and focus on what’s best for students. Ashley’s leadership, initiative, and commitment to doing what’s right for kids truly set her apart.