Kalispell Education Foundation and Stockman Bank Honor Elementary Educator of the Year

Kalispell Education Foundation (KEF), in partnership with Kalispell Public Schools, was proud to surprise Hedges Elementary School teacher Derrick Criner as the 2026 Elementary School Educator of the Year during a school-wide assembly on Wednesday, May 6.

This award, made possible through the generous support of Stockman Bank, recognizes Mr. Criner for his extraordinary dedication to students and his unwavering commitment to excellence in education.

“I am truly honored to accept Educator of the Year. I am grateful to work alongside such amazing administrators, teachers, support staff, and students every day," Criner said. "Their dedication and encouragement inspire me, and I am proud to be part of a school community that works together to help every student grow and succeed.”

Mr. Criner is known for his strong commitment to student success, thoughtful preparation, and ability to create a classroom where every student feels seen and supported. His work reflects a deep belief that all students can grow and succeed when given the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities.

Families consistently point to the lasting impact Mr. Criner has on both academic growth and student confidence.

"Derrick Criner is truly a one of a kind educator," shared one parent. "His passion for education is evident in every interaction. He meets students where they are and ensures every child feels valued and capable, helping build both confidence and a love of learning."

Students themselves recognize the care and effort Mr. Criner brings to the classroom.

"I think Mr. Criner should be the educator of the year because he's very good at teaching," shared one student. "He helps us with great strategies, teaches two grades at once, and he's my favorite teacher I've ever had."

Beyond his own classroom, Mr. Criner serves as a UFLI Implementation Team Leader at Hedges Elementary, helping fellow educators across the district strengthen foundational reading instruction through structured literacy practices. His leadership in this work extends his impact to students in classrooms far beyond his own.

Through his thoughtful instruction, strong relationships, and unwavering dedication, Mr. Criner exemplifies the very best of Kalispell's schools. His impact reaches far beyond the classroom and will continue to shape the lives of his students for years to come.

This year's selection process was led by the KEF Student Board, which includes Naomi Miller and Hudson Capser of Flathead High School and Josh Lee and Myla Lamson of Glacier High School.

KEF Executive Director Dorothy Drury shared, "This year, our Educator of the Year awards program, which recognizes teachers across multiple grade levels as well as support staff, received a grand total of 1,465 nominations from students, families, and community members. It was a meaningful increase from last year, which reflects both the strength of our educators and the kindness of a community that shows up to celebrate them. It’s a powerful reminder of the positive influence our teachers have on students each day. 

Mr. Criner received a $1,000 grant for his classroom and a $250 personal award, generously provided by Stockman Bank. 

Derrick Criner, 2026 Elementary Educator of the Year, and his class.

ABOUT THIS AWARD

Each year, Kalispell Education Foundation (KEF) recognizes employees at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels through two annual awards: Teacher of the Year and Essential Staff of the Year. KEF thanks Stockman Bank for generously sponsoring this award and helping bring valuable and deserved attention to the dedication and hard work of our public school employees.

Kalispell Education Foundation and Stockman Bank Honor Three Essential School Personnel of the Year

The Kalispell Education Foundation (KEF), in partnership with Kalispell Public Schools (KPS), is proud to announce the 2026 Essential Personnel of the Year recipients: Kerri Schultz of Edgerton Elementary, Kim Nolan of Glacier High School, and Daniel Cadigan of Rankin Elementary.

Each employee was surprised with the honor at their respective schools in recognition of their outstanding service to students and staff.

This award, sponsored by KEF's generous partner Stockman Bank, celebrates the many professionals across our district who help create safe, supportive, and thriving learning environments. Each recipient receives $250 for personal use, courtesy of Stockman Bank, as a show of appreciation for the tremendous difference they make each day.

We are deeply grateful to the many students, staff members, families, and community members who took the time to submit thoughtful nominations. The outpouring of appreciation for KPS essential personnel was inspiring. While only three individuals are selected for this particular recognition, every nomination tells a story of dedication and impact.

If you submitted a nomination and granted permission for us to share your words, please know that we will send those quotes directly to your nominee.

Please join us in congratulating Kerri, Kim, and Daniel, and in celebrating the many staff members across Kalispell Public Schools who help ensure our students learn and grow in environments filled with care, commitment, and community.

With gratitude,

Kalispell Education Foundation & Kalispell Public Schools

Kerri Schultz – Edgerton Elementary

Kerri Schultz, Paraprofessional at Edgerton Elementary, is known for her compassion, patience, and steady support of students.

Colleagues shared that she has a special gift for building trust with students who need extra care, helping them feel safe, supported, and capable.

She is often entrusted with some of the highest-need learners and approaches that role with consistency, professionalism, and a genuine heart for kids – helping students not just get through challenges but truly grow.

Kim Nolan – Glacier High School

Kim Nolan, Math Paraprofessional at Glacier High School, has impacted students through her patience, creativity, and deep content knowledge.

One student shared, "I have been a student of Mrs. Nolan's for about three years, and she has helped me tremendously with math and learning in general. I have always been a slower learner, and she has been so patient with me, while also providing me with different learning styles. Mrs. Nolan works so hard and you can tell she is passionate about what she does, along with caring for us students."

Daniel Cadigan – Rankin Elementary

Daniel Cadigan, Lead Custodian at Rankin Elementary, is celebrated for the positive relationships he builds with students and staff throughout the building.

Nominators noted that Dan goes well beyond maintaining a safe and welcoming school by bringing joy and connection to the school culture.

From participating in special events and reading with students to stepping in wherever help is needed, he creates a sense of belonging that students and staff appreciate and remember.

ABOUT THIS AWARD

Each year, Kalispell Education Foundation (KEF) recognizes employees at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels through two annual awards: Teacher of the Year and Essential Staff of the Year. KEF thanks Stockman Bank for generously sponsoring this award and helping bring valuable and deserved attention to the dedication and hard work of our public school employees.

Invest in students. Empower teachers. Strengthen our community.

As the new school year begins, it’s a wonderful time to show your support for our students and the educators who make learning possible.

Kalispell Public Schools (KPS) provides a high-quality educational experience to over 6,000 students in the Flathead Valley. At the same time, every KPS school qualifies for free meals, highlighting the real financial needs among our students. Taxpayer dollars play a crucial role in our schools, but unique needs and opportunities often arise that exceed school budgets.

A gift to Kalispell Education Foundation will:

	Empower Students You help narrow the opportunity gap for students by providing access to learning experiences outside of the walls of the classroom, such as field trips and college visits, and becoming a champion for equality in education.
	Support Teachers and Staff Great educators inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Your gift provides special classroom materials, access to professional development opportunities, and teacher appreciation.
	Enrich Programs Education goes beyond textbooks and traditional classroom instruction, and this is being addressed with more enthusiasm than ever in KPS. Donor gifts support art, music, literacy, STEM, physical wellness, and special education initiatives that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and career and college readiness.
	Strengthen the Community The success of Kalispell Public Schools directly affects the families, local businesses, and quality of life in Kalispell. By investing in education, you invest in our future leaders and the prosperity of our valley.
	Maximize Your Gift When you give during the Great Fish Community Challenge, you not only have the opportunity to make a gift to up to 85 nonprofits with a single donation, Whitefish Community Foundation also provides a percentage match donation to the first $25,000 raised!