Congratulations DMC Teachers of the Year!

The Teacher of the Year Awards recognizes teachers who live out DMC’s mission to equip minds and nurture hearts to impact the world for Christ.  Teachers nominate peers who demonstrate DMC’s Portrait of Professional Excellence. They are dynamic classroom teachers, passionate apprentices of Christ, lifelong learners, active partners with parents, and committed to positively cultivating community. 

25/26 DMC Teachers of the Year

Early Education -Mrs. Maria Philipsen
Elementary - Ms. Lindsay Wesdorf
Middle School - Mrs. Krista Blixt
High School - Mrs. Abby Miller

Early Education - Mrs. Maria Philipsen

Mrs. Philipsen’s Peers Said: 

• She treats her co-workers and her students with gentleness showing God's love so they can be equipped, nurtured and can go live out in the world shining Jesus' love.
• She is always thinking out of the box to meet kids wherever they are.  She uses whatever she can to help the kids learn.
• Mrs. Philipsen is so knowledgeable of scripture and biblical truth, and her love for Jesus shows in the way she treats, serves, and responds to others on a daily basis. 
• Jesus shows in the way she treats, serves, and responds to others. Teaching the kids about Jesus and His love and what the Bible says is always her first priority.  

• Mrs. Philipsen cultivates community by putting others before herself, modeling Christ's love in how she treats others, going above and beyond to do special things for the kids, parents, and co-workers to make sure they feel loved and appreciated, and always praying for and with others.    
  

  Elementary - Ms. Lindsay Wesdorf

  Ms. Wesdorf teaches 3rd grade and has worked at Des Moines Christian School for 12 years.
  
  

  Ms. Wesdorf’s peers said:

• Ms. Wesdorf is a JOY-filled person and that defines her classroom!
• She does a great job of making sure all students find their passion and their identity in Christ. 
• Ms. Wesdorf is beloved by her current and former students for the amazing environment she cultivates in her classroom. The relationships she is able to form are the kind that can last for a lifetime. 
• I am impressed with how well she knows all of her students. This helps her maximize learning and create an environment that students feel safe in. This safety leads to an unmatched culture of learning.

• Her love for teaching is evident in how she creates an engaging and encouraging classroom environment. Ms. Wesdorf embraces helping others and is faithful in her walk with Christ and following His leading.
  

  Middle School - Mrs. Krysta Blixt

  Mrs. Blixt teaches Middle School Reading Support and has worked at Des Moines Christian School for two years.  
  
  

  Mrs. Blixt’s peers said:

• Mrs. Blixt has the ability to see student gifts and talents and not only call those out but develop and encourage those gifts, often verbalizing how she sees them flourishing in the future. 
• I am amazed at the high-quality materials she has produced and the way she approaches her job with zeal for excellence. 
• Mrs. Blixt equips minds by challenging her students to think deeply and grow confidently. She inspires them to impact the world for Christ through the way she models integrity, joy, and unwavering faith. Her classroom is a place of discipleship, transformation, and encouragement. 
• Mrs. Blixt’s lessons are intentionally crafted to build both academic and spiritual mastery and formation. Students in her classroom do not just complete tasks; they grow in ownership of their learning and curiosity. 
• Mrs. Blixt speaks life into her students, helping them see their God-given potential and purpose. They feel loved, safe, and empowered to take risks through a variety of activities that provide consistent encouragement and genuine care. 
  

  High School - Mrs. Abby Miller 

  Mrs. Miller teaches High School Science and has worked at DMC for three years. 
  
  

  Mrs. Miller’s Peers Said:

• Mrs. Miller improves her classroom teaching year after year, stays knowledgeable in her field, and approaches her coaching with the same dedication to growth that she expects from her athletes. She pushes her students and athletes to be their best because she first holds herself to that standard.
• Mrs. Miller works hard to come alongside parents and support them and the student.  She has built great relationships with parents and they trust her to look out for their students and push them to be the best that they can be.
• Mrs. Miller differentiates learning and assessing based on what each student needs with a biblical perspective.  Her students feel seen and loved by her.
• Mrs. Miller is a teacher that students trust and look to as an example and for advice. She is fostering great relationships with her students and taking extra steps in her classroom to make sure students are learning and have every opportunity to succeed.
• Mrs. Miller leads among her peers, showcasing what she is doing in her class and encouraging others to find ways to do similar things in theirs. She is highly invested in the culture of the school.