Mineral Point’s Tom Steger among TDS Most Valuable Educator nominees

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) recently congratulated the many deserving nominees for its inaugural Most Valuable Educator Award, which honors a person working in Wisconsin schools making a difference in the lives of students and their community.

TDS received more than 50 nominations from across the state, including Tom Steger of Mineral Point High School.

Kristi Kjelstad, a school counselor in Chippewa Falls, was presented with the award at a surprise school assembly Nov. 17, winning a Green Bay Packers prize package that includes game tickets and a classroom visit to Lambeau Field.

However, during TDS’ annual Week of Giving, company associates have been visiting schools to recognize those nominated and show appreciation for their tireless efforts to help students.  

“While we could only present the Most Valuable Educator to one person, it’s clear there are so many people doing amazing work in our schools. We are pleased to highlight them this week and thank educators for all they do for our students and communities,” TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Drew Petersen said.

Nominations were open until Nov. 3 and could be submitted through TDS’ Most Valuable Educator nomination form. Nominees had to be from one of the 150+ Wisconsin communities TDS serves. The following area educators were nominated for the Most Valuable Educator award, including some who received multiple nominations: Kayla Meier, Hollandale Elementary School, Blanchardville and Caroline Rindy, Pecatonica High School, Blanchardville