WADEN Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks
WADEN

MEDIA RELEASE
March 1, 2022

WADEN Now Accepting Nominations for the First Annual 
WADEN Distance Learning Educator of the Year Award

(Green Bay, WI.)  The Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks (WADEN) and Meemic Insurance are excited to announce the creation of the WADEN Distance Learning Educator of the Year Award.  This honor will be awarded to a teacher within the WADEN Network that has shown an aptitude for their job, a passion to help other students beyond their own district, and a creativity to make distance learning successful for a diverse student population.

WADEN is a collaborative organization comprised of regional networks that work to provide K-20 and community education utilizing live interactive videoconferencing, expanding access to equitable learning opportunities for learners across the State of Wisconsin.

During the past two academic years, WADEN has provided over 14,500 students with high school and/or college credit courses using this delivery method.  In all, over 1,100 courses were offered to students that likely would not otherwise have had access.

“We have seen our educators go above and beyond in providing opportunities for students before the pandemic.  Now, their services are even more important as more virtual offerings are needed to serve students across the state,” WADEN Director Dean Leisgang said.  “This award is a celebration of all our educators.”

At this time, based on data from WADEN networks, over 140 school districts, Cooperative Educational Service Agencies, and higher education institutions participate in providing instruction to students via our distance learning platform. 

Students, teachers, and administrators can nominate a WADEN teacher by filling out the nomination form at this link and emailing the completed form to wadendirector@gmail.com

The 2021-2022 WADEN Distance Learning Educator of the Year will be honored with a $250 Amazon gift card which can be used for themselves or the improvement of their classroom, and a plaque celebrating their accomplishments courtesy of Meemic Insurance and the Zuleger Agency.

“We embrace this opportunity to celebrate these innovative educators with the creation of this new award,” Zuleger Agency Owner John Zuleger stated.  “We hope this award will provide a small token of our appreciation and also highlight the great work that is happening in school districts across the state.”

Meemic Insurance has proudly served teachers and school employees for more than 70 years.  The Zuleger Agency provides educator custom coverage at home or in the classroom. For more information on the Zuleger Agency, please contact John Zuleger at ZulegerAgency@meemic.com.

For more information on the WADEN Distance Learning Educator of the Year Award, please contact Dean Leisgang at wadendirector@gmail.com.

Again, you may access the nomination form here.