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Sioux Central agriculture teacher Melanie Bloom named 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year
Summary
Melanie Bloom, an agricultural educator at Sioux Central, is the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year. Bloom highlighted work-based learning, inquiry-driven instruction and the importance of career exploration in her remarks to the board.
The State Board of Education hosted the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year, Melanie Bloom, at its Feb. 11 meeting. Bloom, an agricultural education teacher at Sioux Central (a pre-K–12 district in northwest Iowa), outlined her classroom approach, described career and work-based learning that prepares students for diverse postsecondary pathways, and emphasized mentoring future teachers.
Bloom told the board she chose agricultural education "to make a difference" and described curricula that emphasize inquiry, project-based learning, workplace learning and leadership through FFA. She credited the department and teacher-preparation partnerships for strengthening mentoring and beginning-teacher supports and said she helps students pursue authentic workplace learning, from local food- and agribusiness connections to apprenticeship and internship opportunities.
Why it matters: the Teacher of the Year program spotlights classroom practices, regional finalists and teacher leadership. Bloom emphasized that career-exploration and multiple pathways are especially important for students who do not follow a traditional college route.
Bloom said educators must help students see and try different careers early, citing examples in her program where students visited a food science lab and returned excited about new career options. She also told the board that rural schools can provide diverse career education and that teacher recruitment and retention remain priorities.
The department also previewed the 2026 Teacher of the Year nomination window and described a regionalized selection process designed to recognize teachers across Iowa—s regions. Board members thanked the honorees and noted the program—s role in outreach and mentorship for the state—s teacher pipeline.
Speakers quoted or on the record: Melanie Bloom (2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year), Director Ryan Snow, and staff coordinating the Teacher of the Year program.
