Beatrice Middle School language, writing instructor named Clabaugh Family award winner

BEATRICE – A middle school teacher was honored Friday, before many of her students, with an annual education honor.

Jodi Fakler teaches 8th grade Language Arts and Creative Writing at the Beatrice Middle School. She was announced as this year’s Clabaugh Family Outstanding Educator Award winner.

"We want to thank Mrs. Fakler for everything she does for education and going above and beyond...and we also want to congratulate her for being the 2024 Beatrice Educator of the Year." Rick Clabaugh presented the award on behalf of his family at a Friday afternoon ceremony in Fakler’s classroom.

The award includes a plaque and a $1,500 check from the Clabaugh family, presented through the Beatrice Educational Foundation.

Fakler was honored partly for her ability to find ways to connect with challenges or difficulties some students face and for being solutions-focused.  She was also honored for her energy, effectiveness, inspiration, innovation and professionalism.

Fakler acknowledges students who improve their writing by noting their names on her blackboard as “Writers on the Move”…and honors students who are considered “Master Writers”. Fakler earned a Bachelors’ Degree from the University of Kansas and a Masters’ from Concordia University.

The Clabaugh Family award is given during National Education Week with this year’s theme, “Together for Safe, Just and Equitable Schools”.