Lisa Gutche, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Emerson Elementary of the Madison Metropolitan School District (WI), has been named the Open Up Resources Teacher of the Month for November 2024. Gutche is being recognized for her outstanding work in her classroom and ongoing support of teachers across the country as a member of the Open Up Resources National Professional Learning Community.

Gutche’s work with EL Education K–8 Language Arts makes her one of the most innovative teachers in the country. The EL Education K–8 Language Arts curriculum inspires a new way of teaching language arts by engaging students through compelling, real-world content to build equitable and inclusive learning opportunities.

Jake Mechler, was a student teacher with Gutche in the 2022–23 school year, then had the opportunity to teach alongside her as a colleague in 2023–24. Mechler nominated Gutche for her dedication to her students and student teachers. Mechler shared, “Lisa Gutche is the embodiment of putting her students, and their needs, at the center of all instruction and routines within the classroom.”

Mechler described Gutche’s long career and high impact in education. He explained, “Lisa Gutche is entering her 34th year teaching 2nd graders. She is a phenomenal teacher who has taught hundreds of kids the value of literacy and helped give them the fundamental knowledge needed to read and write. Besides deeply impacting the lives of her students, she has taken on countless student teachers, leading them in a positive direction as they begin their careers.” 

Gutche teaches using the EL Education K–8 Language Arts curriculum and says she loves the engaging topics, integrated protocols, and the quality assessments to guide Skills Block groups. She shared, “This is my 34th year teaching 2nd grade, and I have taught MANY different ELA curriculums. [EL Education K–8 Language Arts] is my favorite by far!” 

Do you know a teacher who has inspired you and the students in their classroom with the Open Up Resources curricula? Please consider nominating a colleague for the Open Up Resources Teacher of the Month award.