Simley High School Math and Computer Science Teacher Gretchen Birkholz, Science Teacher Nora Austin, and Social Studies Teacher Rick Tavernier were selected for the 2025-2026 Inclusive Educator Award. Their Intermediate School District 917 colleagues nominated them for their exceptional efforts to support the inclusion of unique learners at Simley.

Inver Grove Heights Schools (ISD 199) is one of District 917’s nine member districts. Students in member districts receive expanded special education services, alternative learning programming, and career and technical education that schools may not be able to provide individually. Ms. Birkholz, Ms. Austin, and Mr. Tavernier use District 917’s services to ensure that students get what they need to do their best at school.

Ms. Birkholz’s nominator described her as enthusiastic, compassionate and committed, a teacher who makes her classroom a welcoming and accessible space where all students feel welcome. 

“Ms. Birkholz is an exceptional educator who demonstrates inclusion in every aspect of her work,” the nominator wrote. “She doesn’t just support students academically. She builds genuine relationships, learns about their interests, and finds ways to connect with them personally.”

The District 917 staff member who nominated Ms. Austin commended her for adapting to student needs and breaking down any possible barriers every day since the first day of school.

“Every day, Ms. Austin seemingly looks at the lesson through the eyes of her student and adjusts accordingly, checking in with the student and with me,” the District 917 nominator said. 

Another nominator agreed, writing, “From the very beginning of the school year, Ms. Austin took the initiative to meet with me and review each student’s accommodations to ensure that they had full access to learning in the general education classroom. Her dedication, consistency, and genuine care for her students sets her apart.”

District 917 staff members nominated Mr. Tavernier for seamlessly weaving accommodations into his teaching. One nominator celebrated how Mr. Tavernier treats all students, including those with disabilities, with dignity, providing support without lowering his expectations for them.  

“Mr. Tavernier’s willingness to adapt, his creative problem-solving, and his respect for every learner’s unique needs make him an outstanding example of an inclusive educator,” another nominator wrote. “He approaches accessibility as a natural part of teaching, not as an added task.”

District 917 created the Inclusive Educator Award as part of December’s Inclusive Schools Week. The week highlights and celebrates the progress that schools have made in implementing inclusive practices to ensure a quality education for an increasingly diverse student population. District 917 staff nominate staff from their nine member districts to acknowledge the incredible work of educators.

Inclusive Educator Award winners will be recognized at a District 917 School Board meeting, and District 917 staff will present awards to this year’s winners at Simley in the new year.

Congratulations to Ms. Birkholz, Ms, Austin, and Mr. Tavernier!