MADISON – Five teachers of the year were honored during the annual State of Education address today at the state Capitol, including Jonathan Etter (Wauwatosa) and Allison Urban (Elmbrook). Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) issued the following statement:
“Every year, the Wisconsin Department Public Instruction awards five teachers the ‘Teacher of the Year’ Award. This year, we have two teachers of the year in the 13th Assembly District! I am so proud of our brilliant educators, Allison Urban of the Elmbrook School District, and Jonathan Etter of the Wauwatosa School District.
“Allison Urban is a special education educator at Pilgrim Park Middle School in the Elmbrook school district. She has dedicated her career to connecting with students, building trust, and leading with encouragement.
“Jonathan Etter is an English Teacher from Wauwatosa East High School. He has worked to build a safe space within his classroom and actually encourages students to make mistakes as part of their learning process.
“Mr. Etter gave the 2026 Teacher of the Year address and expanded on a Prometheus quote to highlight the importance of being kind, putting down screens, and connecting on a human level.
“State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly highlighted the understanding our founding fathers had nearly 250 years ago, that public education plays a pertinent role in democracy. We must honor our founders and our constitution by ensuring Wisconsin’s children receive an adequately-funded public education so we can move forward, together.”
Rep. Vining represents the 13th Assembly District, which includes Elm Grove, and parts of Wauwatosa and Brookfield. For more information visit Rep. Vining’s website here.
