DoWEA Europe Announces 2027 District Teachers of the Year

The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Europe region is pleased to announce the 2027 District Teachers of the Year for the Europe Central, Europe East, Europe South and Europe West districts. The DoWEA Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors exemplary Prekindergarten 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 applications. Ten teachers will be named District Teacher of the Year for 2027 across all of DoWEA, and each is invited to apply for the DoWEA Teacher of the Year. 

Jessica Yucel - Europe West District  

Jessica Yucel, an 11th-grade English and social studies teacher at Spangdahlem High School in Germany, has been named the 2027 Europe West District Teacher of the Year by the DoWEA Europe West District. A proud DoWEA graduate, Yucel attended Geilenkirchen Elementary School, AFNORTH Middle/High School, and Ankara Elementary High School—experiences that continue to shape her commitment to serving military-connected students and families. 

“With her thoughtful practice and unwavering focus on students, Jessica Yucel models the kind of teaching that elevates our profession,” said Ms. Hadley, community superintendent. “Her influence is felt across classrooms as she inspires both students and colleagues to strive for excellence.” 

Yucel holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education (English), with a minor in history, from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of courses, including language arts, social studies, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), drama and Teaching as a Profession. 

In addition to her classroom instruction, Yucel serves as the AVID site coordinator, Educators Rising sponsor and a member of the Instructional Leadership Team. She is also the founder and coordinator of Spangdahlem High School’s annual Adulting 101 Day, a schoolwide initiative that brings together base partners, educators and students to provide real-world learning experiences that build confidence, independence and postsecondary readiness. 

Yucel prioritizes creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, respected and empowered to take intellectual risks, with a focus on building strong relationships and delivering engaging, meaningful instruction. 

“This recognition represents the collective impact of my students and their parents, as well as my colleagues and administrators,” Yucel said. “Each has shaped my teaching practice in meaningful ways, and I would not be the educator I am today without their influence. This award truly belongs to our community, and I am proud to represent our district.” 

Bradley Crowe - Europe Central District 

Bradley Crowe, a performing arts teacher at Wiesbaden Middle School in Germany, has been named the 2027 Europe Central District Teacher of the Year by the DoWEA Europe Central District. Since joining DoWEA in 2021, Crowe has revitalized the school’s performing arts program through innovative, student-centered instruction that develops musicianship, teamwork and confidence. 

“I am excited to welcome Mr. Bradley Crowe without reservation as the 2027 DoDEA Europe Central Teacher of the Year,” said Louis D’Angelo, superintendent of DoWEA Europe Central. “Since joining Wiesbaden Middle School in 2021, he has revitalized the performing arts program through innovative, student-centered instruction that develops musicianship, teamwork and confidence in a broad cross-section of students. His leadership and community outreach consistently elevate school culture and create meaningful performance opportunities that inspire students, families and staff.” 

Crowe is committed to providing students with transformative musical experiences that foster both artistic growth and a lifelong connection to music. He believes music education empowers students to develop self-expression, critical thinking, discipline and empathy. By setting high expectations and cultivating a supportive, student-centered environment, he builds a band culture where students are challenged to excel, collaborate meaningfully and experience genuine joy in music-making. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master’s degree in music education in instrumental conducting from the University of Oklahoma, graduating with honors. He continues to pursue professional growth through ongoing graduate coursework from institutions including the University of San Diego and the University of Alaska. 

Beyond the classroom, Crowe serves as the DoWEA Central Middle School Honor Band chairperson, where he plans, coordinates and hosts a 90-member student honor band with participation from six DoWEA middle schools. He is also an active member of the European Music Educators Association and has presented at the organization’s conference for the past two years. 

Crowe is deeply engaged in his school community, organizing events such as a Veterans Day assembly that honors service members and connects students with their community. He also regularly leads outreach efforts by bringing his student musicians to elementary schools to inspire the next generation of performers. 

Wendi Gideon - Europe East District

Wendi Gideon, a kindergarten teacher at Vilseck Elementary School serving the military-connected community of Rose Barracks, Germany, has been named the 2027 Europe East District Teacher of the Year by the DoWEA Europe East District. As an active-duty military spouse, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to the students and families she serves. 

“To be in Ms. Gideon’s class is to understand what happens when talent and passion meet five-year-olds; she is what every parent wants in a kindergarten teacher,” said Patrick Martin, superintendent of DoWEA Europe East. “She also embodies what we are working on in Europe East by being an awesome teammate and collaborative educator.” 

Gideon holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University and an associate degree in human services management from the University of Phoenix. She also holds reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages endorsements from the State of Florida. 

She focuses on creating a classroom community where students feel safe, confident and supported as they take academic risks, emphasizing developmentally appropriate learning and student ownership. Throughout her career, Gideon has been recognized with a Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Student Success, the Shield of Sparta Award for service to the military community and a Public Service Commendation Medal. 

Emily Robinette - Europe South District

Emily Robinette, a special educator at Vicenza Elementary School in Italy, has been named the 2027 Europe South District Teacher of the Year by the DoWEA Europe South District. With more than 15 years of service in DoWEA across the Americas, Pacific and Europe, she brings a wealth of experience supporting students at all grade levels. 

Robinette currently serves as a special education generalist supporting students in kindergarten through fifth grade and as her school’s Student Support Team chair. Her educational philosophy centers on the belief that all students can learn and deserve equal access to education, with a focus on advocacy, independence and data-driven instruction. 

“Ms. Emily Robinette exemplifies the very best of our profession—bringing passion, precision and unwavering commitment to student learning,” said Fales. “Her impact extends far beyond her classroom, inspiring colleagues and students alike through her dedication to excellence and belief in every learner.” 

Robinette holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education from Oakland City University, a master’s degree in special education from Ball State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Framingham State University. 

“This award is not just mine,” Robinette said. “It belongs to every student who trusted me with their struggle, every parent who worked with me, every colleague who pushed me to grow and every mentor who believed in me before I believed in myself. This award truly means community, and I am proud to represent our district.”