The Wisconsin Associate for Supervision and Curriculum Development invites nominations for the Wisconsin Instructional Leader of the Year

Instructional Leader of the Year will be recognized at the WASCD Fall Conference. The award winner will be eligible to receive a scholarship in the maximum amount of $1,500 to be used to attend a future ASCD or WASCD conference.

Criteria of Award

1. Has successfully served in an instructional leadership role in PK-12 education for at least three years.

2. Nominator is a WASCD member at the time of nomination.

3. Is a proven champion of curriculum, instruction, and assessment policies and practices that enhance learning both within and outside the district.

4. Demonstrates knowledge of learning, teaching, research, and programs that maximize student performance.

5. Develops partnerships and networks with other districts and/or organizations to support learning.

6. Improves teaching and learning by implementing programs which maximize student performance.

7. Analyzes multiple sources of data to improve student learning.

8. Leads in management and delivery of instruction as well as the advancement of adaptation of learning, invention, and creativity.

9. Has a track record of success in creating innovative, exemplary, and sustainable improvements over time.

10. Current WASCD board members are not eligible.

Nomination Information

The following information will be submitted with nominations: 

1. Nominator information (Name, Position, Contact Information)

2. Relationship to the nominee

3. Nominee information (Name, Position, Contact Information)

4. Please review the criteria for the WILOY award.  Please indicate why you are nominating this person for the WILOY award?

5. How specifically has this person demonstrated knowledge of learning, teaching, research, and programs that maximize student performance?

6. How has this person developed partnerships and networks with other districts and/or organizations to support learning?

7. Please provide specific examples of the nominee’s success in creating innovative, exemplary, and sustainable improvements.

Please submit your nomination to wascd.org by August 1, 2026.

Each year, Wisconsin ASCD reviews nominations for an instructional leader of the year. Preferred nominees are instructional leaders in PK-12 education, proven champions of high-quality education, and have a track record of improving outcomes for students.

This year, Ann Franke received this award.  Ann is the recently retired Director of Curriculum at Reedsburg School District. She received this award at the Wisconsin ASCD Annual Fall Conference on October 16th, 2025.

Comments from Kurt Krizan, Wisconsin ASCD Board Member:

Ann Franke exemplifies the qualities deserving of the Wisconsin Instructional Leader of the Year award. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the district's educational goals and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.​ Under her guidance, the district has made significant strides in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan. This plan focuses on enhancing instructional practices and aligning curriculum across all grade levels, ensuring that students receive a cohesive and high-quality education. Anne's commitment to professional development has empowered educators within the district. By prioritizing ongoing training and support, she has cultivated an environment where teachers are equipped to meet diverse student needs and adapt to evolving educational standards. Her contributions have not only elevated instructional quality within the Reedsburg School District but also set a benchmark for educational excellence statewide.