DoDEA Europe Announces 2026 District Teachers of the Year

The Department of Defense Education Activity Europe region is pleased to announce the 2026 District Teachers of the Year for the Europe Central, Europe East, Europe South, and Europe West districts. The DoDEA Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors exemplary Pre-K through high school teachers. The process begins at the nomination level where peers, administrators, parents, students or community members may nominate teachers. Each District Teacher of the Year is selected by a district panel using specified criteria to review District Teacher of the Year applications. Ten teachers will be named District Teacher of the Year for 2026 across all of DoDEA. Each District Teacher of the Year is invited to apply for the DoDEA Teacher of the Year.

Heidi Kretz Selected as 2025 DoDEA Europe Central District Teacher of the Year

Heidi Scott Kretz, a Language Arts 12 and AP English Literature and Composition teacher at Ramstein High School in Germany, has been named the 2026 Europe Central District Teacher of the Year by the DoDEA Europe Central District. Since joining DoDEA in 2003, Kretz has focused on student engagement and building a collaborative classroom community where all learners feel seen and supported.

“Mrs. Kretz exemplifies the very best of DoDEA educators,” said Dr. Louis D’Angelo, superintendent of DoDEA Europe Central. “Her passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to students and colleagues alike make her an invaluable leader in our community.”

Kretz holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.  In 2017, she founded the Ramstein High School Writing Center, which has trained more than 250 peer tutors to support student writers through collaborative conferences. 

Beyond the classroom, Kretz plays a key role in school leadership and staff development. She has served on the Standards-Based Grading Focus Group, the AP for All Team, and held various leadership roles including AVID coordinator, English department chair, and professional learning team leader. Before joining Ramstein High School, she taught at Baumholder Middle High School.

Dana Panczenko Selected as 2026 DoDEA Europe East District Teacher of the Year

Dana Panczenko, who teaches 10th grade English, strategic literacy instruction and advanced drama at Vilseck High School in Germany, has been named the 2026 Europe East District Teacher of the Year by the DoDEA Europe East District. Known for her commitment to restorative practices and student empowerment, Panczenko creates a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported and encouraged to grow.

“Ms. Panczenko’s innovative approach to teaching and her dedication to student well-being make her a true asset to our district,” said Elizabeth Fales, superintendent of DoDEA Europe East. “She leads with compassion, and her focus on restorative practices and learning inspires both students and colleagues.”

Panczenko will graduate in May with a Master of Arts in texts, technologies and literature from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Washington College.

She is especially proud of her work transforming her school’s detention program into a restorative group, helping students reflect on their choices and align their actions with their values. This initiative has significantly reduced disciplinary issues schoolwide and fostered more positive relationships between students and staff.

Kelly Svenson Selected as the 2026 Europe South District Teacher of the Year

Kelly Svenson, a special education teacher at Vicenza Middle School in Italy, has been named the 2026 Europe South District Teacher of the Year by DoDEA Europe South District. Known for her student-centered approach and dedication to comprehensive education, she works closely with students, families, and colleagues to support academic growth and overall well-being.

"Mrs. Svenson’s commitment to student learning and success shines through her ability to meet students where they are and provide the support they need to thrive," said Dr. Jeff Arrington, Europe South District superintendent. "Her collaboration with fellow teachers and families ensures each student's academic and emotional needs are met, fostering long-term success."

With more than 20 years in education, Svenson began her career teaching English as a foreign language in Hiroshima, Japan. She later taught German and Japanese and worked as a speech-language pathologist supporting students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Las Vegas, Nevada. She joined DoDEA in 2017 at Vicenza Middle School.

Svenson holds a bachelor’s degree in German from California State University, Northridge, a master’s in education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a master’s in communication disorders from Western Kentucky University.

"It’s essential to understand each student’s strengths and challenges, and to teach the way they need to learn so they can reach their full potential," Svenson said.

Melissa Joppich Selected as 2026 DoDEA Europe West District Teacher of the Year

Melissa Joppich, universal prekindergarten teacher at Spangdahlem Elementary School in Germany, has been named the 2026 Europe West District Teacher of the Year by the DoDEA Europe West District. Recently featured in the DoDEA Teacher Café Spotlight for her innovative use of American Sign Language in the classroom. She fosters a supportive environment where young learners feel valued and excited to grow.

“Mrs. Joppich creates a space where curiosity and joy are central to learning,” said Dr. Jason Ter Horst, Europe West District superintendent. “Her focus on early childhood education sets the foundation for lifelong success.”

Joppich holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in language and literacy from Texas Tech University.

With more than 24 years of experience, Joppich has taught students across Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and overseas in Japan, Portugal, and Germany. Her journey in education began with a childhood dream and has evolved into a lifelong mission to nurture the academic and emotional development of young learners.

The National Teacher of the Year program, run by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), identifies exceptional teachers nationwide, celebrates their effective work in and outside of the classroom, amplifies their voices and empowers them to take part in policy discussions at the state and national levels.

The year of service for the 2026 District Teacher and the 2026 DoDEA Teacher of the Year will begin on January 1, 2026, and run through December 2026. The selection is made months before the term starts to allow the DoDEA candidate and other candidates from the 50 states and territories the time to participate in the National Teacher of the Year program, which selects a finalist in December. The current (2025) DoDEA Teacher of the Year's term runs through the end of December 2025.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for school-aged children of Department of Defense personnel who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, Western Asia, the Middle East, Cuba, the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Educational Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families. 

For any questions pertaining to DoDEA Europe please contact the Public Affairs Office at +49-0611-143-545-1518.