Photo courtesy of Columbus Community School District social media

At a ceremony earlier this month, Governor Kim Reynolds recognized the 2024 Iowa Teacher of the Year. This year, that honor went to Hoover High School English Language Learner teacher, and Columbus Community High School Graduate, Ann Mincks.

A member of the Columbus Class of ’03, Mincks has been teaching English language learners for nearly 16 years. Prior to the ceremony at the Capitol, she was also recognized with a pep rally at Hoover High School with a commemorative banner highlighting her achievement.

Mincks will spend some time traveling across the state serving as an education liaison, where she plans to continue advocating for ELL education in Iowa. She is the 10th teacher from Des Moines Public Schools to receive this honor.