Please join us in celebrating our Employees of the 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
Teresa Heden-Detlefsen
Math Teacher
Bettendorf High School
Teresa brings exceptional energy, passion, and creativity to her work each day. She meets students where they are while maintaining high expectations, ensuring that every student leaves her classroom better than when they entered.
This quarter, her impact has been especially meaningful. Through inclusive teaching practices and varied assessments, she has maximized student learning. As a Geometry PLC Leader, she fosters a collaborative, solution-focused environment while leading curriculum development, data analysis, and targeted interventions.
Teresa has also played a key role in piloting the Math Intervention Program, embracing new curriculum and platforms with determination and flexibility to improve student outcomes.
Her dedication to both students and colleagues strengthens the entire Bettendorf High School community.
Kaitlyn Holldorf
Special Education Teacher
Grant Wood Elementary
Mrs. Holdorf inspires those around her through her calm presence, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to supporting students. She approaches even the most challenging situations with patience and grace, taking the time to truly understand what lies beneath students’ behaviors. Her ability to listen, reflect, and guide students toward growth creates a safe and trusting environment where they feel seen, supported, and valued.
She has been exceptional in her work with students, particularly in providing meaningful social-emotional support. Through thoughtful strategies like social stories and intentional reflection, she helps students build the skills they need to navigate challenges and find success. Beyond this, she consistently goes above and beyond to support students in reaching their individual goals. Mrs. Holdorf’s dedication, expertise, and heart make a profound and lasting impact on students and the entire school community.
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Jacque Krause
Cook
Grant Wood Elementary
Jacque inspires those around her through her dedication, knowledge, and genuine care for both her work and the students she serves. She consistently goes above and beyond, always giving her absolute best and setting a strong example for others. Her willingness to train and support colleagues reflects not only her expertise, but also her commitment to helping others grow and succeed.
With more than 25 years of experience in Child Nutrition, Jacque has been exceptional in her role at Grant Wood. She has smoothly transitioned her skills from the high school level to the elementary setting, bringing the same high standards and attention to detail. Jacque takes great pride in her work, ensuring students receive quality meals each day, and her strong work ethic and dedication make a lasting impact on the entire school community.
Kait Jensen
Preschool Teacher
Neil Armstrong Elementary
Kait inspires those around her through her joyful approach to teaching and her unwavering belief that every learner can be engaged and successful. She reminds her colleagues daily of the impact of meeting students where they are and doing so with enthusiasm, care, and purpose. Her positivity and dedication create an environment where both students and staff feel motivated to grow.
In her first year at Neil Armstrong, Kait has been exceptional. She has seamlessly acclimated to the building and district while working tirelessly to support a diverse range of learners. Kait is thoughtful, organized, and data-driven in her approach, always focused on helping students make meaningful progress. She collaborates effectively with staff, willingly supports colleagues, and steps in wherever needed with professionalism and a team-first mindset. Kait’s passion, commitment, and ability to truly understand and uplift her students make her an invaluable part of the school community.
Ashley Nulle
Special Education Paraeducator
Herbert Hoover Elementary
Ashley inspires those around her through her positivity, patience, and genuine care for students. She consistently brings a calm, kind presence to the classroom and treats every student as if they were her own. Her ability to remain steady and compassionate, even in challenging situations, creates a supportive environment and encourages others to approach their work with the same level of dedication and heart.
In her role as a classroom para, Ashley has been exceptional. As a new member of the team in a demanding position, she quickly learned routines and began modeling best practices almost immediately. She is dependable, proactive, and always willing to step in without needing direction. Ashley works collaboratively and flexibly to meet student needs, and her positive attitude makes her a joy to work with each day. She has been an incredible addition to the PN team, and her impact on students and staff is truly meaningful.
Courtney Torie
5th Grade Teacher
Herbert Hoover Elementary
Courtney inspires those around her through her dedication to students and her willingness to go above and beyond to ensure their success. She is incredibly helpful, easy to work with, and deeply cares about meeting each student’s needs. Her commitment and positive attitude motivate others to put in that extra effort, creating a stronger, more supportive learning environment for everyone.
Courtney has been exceptional in her role, consistently providing thoughtful, responsive support to both students and colleagues. She is skilled at meeting students where they are, adapting strategies to help them grow, and advocating for what they need to succeed. Her collaborative approach and professionalism make her a trusted partner for teachers, and her ability to anticipate needs and follow through has a direct, positive impact on the school community. Courtney truly embodies the values of kindness, dependability, and a commitment to “all means all,” making her an invaluable member of the team.
Katy Wehr
1st Grade Teacher
Mark Twain Elementary
Katy inspires those around her through her kindness, understanding, and unwavering support for both staff and students. She is consistently caring, approachable, and willing to help, making a meaningful impact on the school community every day.
In her new role as an instructional coach, Katy has been exceptional. After more than 20 years as a first-grade teacher, she transitioned seamlessly and has embraced the position with confidence and dedication. She has built strong relationships across the building, works diligently to support teacher growth, and is not afraid to tackle challenges head-on. Her commitment, tenacity, and willingness to go above and beyond make her an invaluable part of the Mark Twain team. Katy truly exemplifies excellence, and her contributions continue to strengthen the entire school community.
Meagan Whitehead
Nurse's Office Secretary
Bettendorf Middle School
Meagan has been instrumental in supporting student health and care across the district. She stepped up to run the Grant Wood health office when nurses were short in 25–26 and provided critical support at BMS while there was a long-term substitute nurse. In every role, she creates strong, positive relationships with students and staff, making the health office a welcoming and safe place to be. Meagan is constantly striving to learn more, improve her skills, and find new ways to help students, all while keeping up with the demands of a very busy environment.
At BMS, Meagan has already become an outstanding and trusted member of the team. Her enthusiasm, energy, and calm presence are invaluable in managing stressful situations while helping students feel at ease. She focuses on caring for students in a way that supports their well-being and keeps them in the classroom whenever possible. Meagan takes the time to listen to students, staff, and families, balancing compassion with accountability so students feel both comforted and empowered. Her professionalism, kindness, and commitment to going above and beyond make a clear and meaningful impact every single day.