LATEST
PRESS RELEASE
MARCH 27, 2026

Lisa Plopper, 5th grade teacher at DR, wins the 2026
Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship Award​

 

 

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The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has announced their teacher recipients of the organization’s 2026 Teacher Fellowship awards. The Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship celebrates and supports outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence and innovation in Wisconsin. Their mission is to empower teachers by helping them achieve their goals, whether for their classrooms or professional growth. Each year, 100 educators state-wide are selected as Herb Kohl Fellowship recipients. Each educator receives a one-time $6,000 award and their respective school receives a matching grant of an additional $6000 to enhance learning.

 

Teacher were nominated for their leadership and service in and outside the classroom, their ability to inspire a love of learning and to motivate their students. These are qualities that our very own, Mrs. Lisa Plopper has.

 

We are excited and honored to announce that Divine Redeemer fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Lisa Plopper,
has won the Herb Kohl Foundation Teacher Fellowship Award in 2026. This is a huge honor and accomplishment. Divine Redeemer also receives a matching grant of $6,000.

 

Some recent parent surveys demonstrate the excellence Lisa brings to DR:

 

• “She is encouraging and creative.” - Parent

• “We are so thankful for her helpful YouTube math lessons and dedication.” -Parent

• “Lisa Plopper is amazing at preparing students for middle school.” - Parent

• “Not only is she involved at the school with many areas outside of her classroom (such as all of the school year theme branding) but she is very involved as a member of our church community.” – Fellow Staff

• “Mrs. Plopper gives good tips for Math and she helps you through problems you are stuck on.” - Student

• "I love that she is teaching our students to be responsible students in charge of their lives. This world is filled with rude awakenings and lack of responsibility is one of the main reasons it slaps young kids in the face. Always looking for the personal successes." - Parent

•  "Mrs. Plopper! She teaches so well & is very organized:)"

 

About the Award

“Herb Kohl believed that education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation,” JoAnne Anton, President & CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies said. “That’s why he invested in and prioritized awards that recognize students, teachers, and principals who demonstrate incredible hard work, achievements, and service. We hope this year’s awards help this impressive group of recipients in their individual pursuits today so that they pay it forward in the future. We call that the Herb Kohl Way.”

 

Award recipients are selected by a statewide committee composed of civic leaders and representatives of education related associations and the program’s co-sponsors: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Cooperative Educational Service Agencies, and Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation.​