Lone Tree

Lone Tree middle school and high school business and computer science teacher Jessica Howard was recently named the Grant Wood Regional Teacher of the Year, making her a finalist for the 2027 Iowa Teacher of the Year award.

Howard said she was thrilled and honored to receive the recognition.

“I am so humbled and honored to have been nominated for this award! I am so lucky for the support of Lone Tree as a school, community and especially our students and staff. Thank you for supporting me as a first-year teacher coming straight from working in industry, and now ten years later being able to earn this award for my students.”

Lone Tree Superintendent Tyler Hotz also congratulated Howard and said she was deserving of the award.

“Jessica Howard is extremely deserving of this great honor. This is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the Lone Tree School District.”

Howard was one of nine Iowa educators recognized during the third annual Regional Teachers of the Year awards. The educators were selected for their outstanding achievements in PK-12 education and their impact on student success.

Iowa’s Teacher of the Year program was established in 1958 to recognize outstanding educators across the state. The Regional Teachers of the Year program began in 2024 with the 2025 award recipients. It was created to further honor, recognize and celebrate teachers making a difference in communities throughout Iowa.

Howard has served the Lone Tree Community School District for 10 years and holds several roles within the district.

In addition to teaching business and computer science, she serves as a concurrent enrollment instructor through the district’s partnership with Kirkwood Community College. She also advises Lone Tree’s National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America chapters and coaches the esports team, which recently won a state championship in Valorant.

Howard has received other recognition for her work as an educator, including the Iowa STEM Teacher Award.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Upper Iowa University and a master’s degree in teaching and learning from the University of Iowa. She also completed computer science certification programs through the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Virginia.

Before becoming an educator, Howard worked for Lee Enterprises and U.S. Cellular. She later found her home in education with the Lone Tree Community School District.

More information about the Regional Teachers of the Year program is available at educate.iowa.gov.