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Nampa's Columbia High teacher named Idaho Educator of the Year

Nampa's Columbia High teacher named Idaho Educator of the Year
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The National Speech and Debate Association has announced Jeffrey Stoppenhagen from Nampa’s Columbia High School as the 2017-2018 Idaho Educator of the Year.

From more than 5,000 member coaches and teachers across the country, Stoppenhagen was selected as the Idaho Educator of the Year because of “his unwavering commitment to speech and debate education. His passion for speech and debate has enhanced the quality of education in Idaho and beyond,” according to a NSDA news release.

“Mr. Stoppenhagen has provided outstanding leadership in helping students improve their communication skills, build confidence, and increase critical thinking skills. All of these skills will better prepare students for college, a career, and a successful life after school,” said National Speech and Debate Association Executive Director J. Scott Wunn.   

To be nominated for the award, educators must coach and teach speech and debate, have a minimum of 5-years experience in the classroom, demonstrate broad contributions to the field of education, provide support and mentorship to the speech and debate community, and model the established NSDA Coach Code of Ethics. 

Additionally, each State Educator of the Year award winner will be considered for the 2017-2018 National Educator of the Year Award. The national award winner will be announced on National Speech and Debate Education Day on March 2, 2018.