Heitschmidt named 2024 Smoky Valley IMPACT Teacher
For more information, contact:
Heath L. Hogan, Superintendent 785-227-2981
Monte Couchman, Director of Student Learning 785-227-2981
Lindsborg, Kansas, October 9, 2023 – Julie Heitschmidt, a 2nd grade teacher at Soderstrom Elementary School, is the 2024 Smoky Valley IMPACT Teacher.
Heitschmidt received the award after being nominated by a district colleague. Heath Hogan, superintendent of schools, stated “Mrs. Heitschmidt exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional elementary teacher, making her a deserving candidate for this prestigious award. Mrs. Heitschmidt creates a warm classroom environment where her patience and empathy shine through in her interactions with students. Her passion for education and her extraordinary ability to inspire and nurture young minds is easily recognized by all of us at USD #400, making her the perfect recipient of this award.”
The IMPACT Teacher award is intended to honor members of the Smoky Valley educational staff who are outstanding teachers and have demonstrated leadership and support of the district’s mission. Recipients also exemplify service outside of the school system through volunteerism and advocacy in the Smoky Valley community. The award is a joint project sponsored by USD 400 Smoky Valley and the Smoky Valley Education Foundation.
Heitschmidt earned her BA in Elementary Education from Bethel College. Additionally, Heitschmidt earned an MS degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University. She has 29 years of teaching experience and began working in the Smoky Valley school system in the fall of 1995, initially as a first grade teacher. At Soderstrom Elementary School, Heitschmidt leads the instructional program for her 2nd grade classroom in all core content areas including mathematics, reading, writing, science and social studies. Beyond the classroom, Heitschmidt has supported several student and school based organizations, including the middle and high school Booster Clubs, the school Site Council, and the After Prom Committee. In service to her profession, Heitschmidt welcomes college students preparing for their own future teaching careers into her classroom for extended observations and student teaching rotations.
Heitschmidt recognizes the importance of providing a warm and welcoming classroom to help her students thrive and develop. The early years of elementary school are foundational to future success and her hope is that all her students feel safe and supported as they work to build the habits and practices necessary for success. The second grade is an amazing year of growth and development – teachers like Heitschmidt strive to help their students become readers and to explore, question and investigate the world around them. Second grade students are beginning to understand numbers and how we use mathematics to describe and explain day to day experiences. Most importantly, Heitschmidt and her fellow elementary teachers are guiding their students on how to be good humans; to be kind, respectful and appreciative. Heitschmidt commented about her students that she hopes, “...they feel my classroom was a place to learn, make mistakes, and feel loved.”
Heitschmidt credits her connections and relationships within the Smoky Valley community as a contributing factor in her growth and development as a teacher as well as being part of a very strong 2nd grade team at Soderstrom Elementary.
As part of the Smoky Valley IMPACT Teacher Award, Heitschmidt is provided a Classroom Learning Grant in the amount of $500 from the Smoky Valley Education Foundation. This grant will enable her to select supplies, equipment or other learning tools for her classroom that will benefit her students. Heitschmidt is also eligible to apply for the Kansas State Department of Education’s Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) program as the district’s nominee. The KTOY program provides public recognition, professional learning and leadership development for selected teachers across the state.
Heitschmidt’s award was presented in front of family, friends and colleagues at the October 9, 2023 USD 400 Board of Education meeting. A plaque was presented to her in recognition of her talents and service.
Written by : Monte Couchman