Congratulations to Kristi Mentink, Prairie Lakes Regional Teacher of the Year and finalist for the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year. 
She was honored at the 2026 Outstanding Iowa Educators Recognition Luncheon alongside 15 other top teachers. Mentink, a 29-year veteran kindergarten teacher from Harris-Lake Park Elementary, actively leads and collaborates with her colleagues to improve teaching strategies that can greatly impact student outcomes.
She was honored at the 2026 Outstanding Iowa Educators Recognition Luncheon alongside 15 other top teachers. Mentink, a 29-year veteran kindergarten teacher from Harris-Lake Park Elementary, actively leads and collaborates with her colleagues to improve teaching strategies that can greatly impact student outcomes.