So much of our world was upended in 2020. As our lives switched from in-person to online, personal connections and good news grew scarce. Yet, during the uncertainty, a few moments stood out as beacons of hope amidst the bleakness.
It was late Spring when Molly Navarre, school counselor, stared at her screen on yet another Zoom call with one of her coworkers, Chad Sova, assistant principal at Homestead at the time. Her husband and fellow teacher, Tony Navarre, suddenly interrupted and called for his wife to come downstairs.
“I assumed something was wrong with one of our kids,” Mrs. Navarre stated. “Instead, I was directed outside, and that’s where I saw my parents who I hadn’t seen in a month! My kids were out there, some neighbors and friends, some moms from MTEF. Mr. Ebert (the principal) was out there, and Mr. Sova (who left the Zoom and sprinted from a few houses down!)”
Instead of the bad news so many had come to expect during this time, Mrs. Navarre was told she had won the MTEF Educator Award. “I was very caught off guard. It was super exciting!” she proclaimed. “It was a surprise I’ll always remember.”
Every year, the Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation (MTEF) presents, “The Excellence in Education Award,” to teachers who exemplify leadership in the preparation of students and their academic advancement.
This honor is presented to an elementary, middle and high school teacher, as well as one specialty teacher. The winners receive a check for $1000 courtesy of the MTEF.
Many Homestead teachers have developed strong bonds with students.
English teacher and past MTEF award winner Michaela Fraley is one example.
“I care about each and every one of my students. Every child is precious. I love seeing their growth and success over four years. I am so proud of them at graduation, but also a little sad to lose them,” Fraley expressed.
Navarre echoed this by sharing, “Relationships are important to me, and I work hard to develop them. I hope that the students I’ve worked with over the years know how much I care about each and every one of them! There are students from 20 years ago who I am still in contact with today, and I love watching how their lives are unfolding.”
While educators play a crucial role in shaping the next generation, they often don’t get many awards or appreciation for their efforts.
“As educators, we definitely don’t work for any recognition. However, when there is acknowledgement for working hard and having a positive influence on someone it is a ‘feel good’ moment,” Navarre remarked.
Former MTEF award winner and veteran science educator, Dawn Pfaff, added, “We put significant pressure on ourselves to do right by kids and families. We want the best for our students and do whatever we can to help them succeed. It can be exhausting and sometimes challenging. The nominations and recognition boost spirits and remind us we are doing good work.”
With the annual awards coming up, voters are eager to nominate the teacher they feel has impacted them the most.
Meantime, our previous Homestead award recipients express deep gratitude for this prestigious honor and for the people who took time to submit thoughtful nominations.
“I do not work for awards. I work for a much higher purpose, doing my best to honor God in all that I say and do. However, I appreciate the recognition. It is so encouraging to hear positive feedback about your work from time to time and feel like you are positively contributing to your community,” Fraley said.
In addition, Pfaff pointed out, “They made me feel valued and appreciated. Winning the award was amazing, but honestly reading the letters from the nominators was most impactful.”
Both Fraley and Pfaff reflected on the honor and offered words of encouragement to other teachers.
“This is a challenging and exhausting career, but it can be an extremely rewarding experience. Our efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. There are families out there who know we make a difference and feel as though we matter,” Pfaff explained.
Fraley added, “Remember that teaching is a privilege. You have the honor to walk alongside children in some of the most challenging years of their lives. Treat every child the way you would want your own child treated!”
Nominations for the MTEF 2025 Excellence in Teaching Awards are now closed, but a list of past award winners is available here
