(Des Moines)– A Kindergarten teacher at the Harris-Lake Park Elementary School is among those being recognized by the Iowa Department of Education as a 2026 Regional Teacher of the year. Kristi Mentink has 28 years of educational experience. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mentink has also served on the Harris-Lake Park School District’s leadership team and has participated in the Iowa STEM Externship Program. She was also singled out for her proactive approach to problem solving and commitment to improving teaching strategies that have the greatest impact on student outcomes. Mentink was also recognized for her classroom instruction that connects students with real-world experiences so they can see how the literacy and math concepts they learn in the classroom can be used in everyday situations.
Mentink is one of nine Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year. One teacher from each region is selected for the honor for exemplary instructional practices and contributions to K-12 education in the state. Mentink was selected for the Prairie Lakes Region.
Another area teacher, Stephanie Pritts of the Sheldon Community Schools, was selected for the Northwest Region.
Each of the nine Regional Teachers of the Year are now finalists for the prestigious Teacher of the Year award. Last year, Melanie Bloom, an agriculture educator from the Sioux Central Community School District, held that honor after being selected as a Regional Teacher of the Year.
