By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Only in her fourth year as an educator, Norah Ferguson “was completely surprised” that she was selected as the 2025 Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year.
A third grade teacher at St. Joseph School in Vanderburgh County, Ferguson was selected over two other finalists for the award. There were also awards given for Principal of the Year and for outstanding middle school and high school teachers.
“I wasn’t expecting it just because I only have four years (of) experience,” Ferguson said. “But with that, I think that kind of made it more of a surprise. But I think it just goes to show you that no matter your amount of time doing it, you’re making a difference every single day.”
Specific to Vanderburgh County, the competition recognizes exemplary classroom teachers and building principals possessing at least three years of experience, according to a news release from the University of Evansville. The awards are made possible through the sponsorship of the University of Evansville, Liberty Federal Credit Union and the Evansville Courier & Press.
Ferguson was one of four educators in the county surprised with the award. The University of Southern Indiana graduate credited the educators she works with at St. Joseph School for helping her in her time as an educator, stating she is surrounded by other amazing educators who have helped and shaped her along the way.
Ferguson noted if you are an educator, you are pretty hard on yourself. Ferguson’s first reaction was there are so many more amazing educators by which she is surrounded, she said.
“I also felt a sense of gratitude and gratefulness,” Ferguson said. “Just because when you’re doing something and you’re doing your job every day, it’s hard to reflect and think how you’re doing it. So it kind of gave me a peace of mind or filled my cup that I’m doing something right and hopefully impacting some of the kids.”
According to a news release from the University of Evansville, Ferguson instructs students in math, science, social studies, English Language Arts and religion, where she creates “an engaging, student-centered learning environment. The release notes Ferguson’s leadership is demonstrated by her founding and leading the Sunshine Committee, creating a positive school culture. She also volunteers as a judge for speech meets, assists with the STEM Club and provides tutoring for students requiring additional academic support.
St. Joseph School Principal Kelsey Meier, who was one of three other diocesan educators to be nominated for one of the awards, said they have many amazing teachers at St. Joseph School. They also have wonderful students and families, and are truly blessed to be a part of this school community, she said.
Meier also believes Ferguson sold herself short during the award presentation.
“Mrs. Ferguson truly is an amazing teacher,” Meier said. “She’s only been doing it for a few short years but every other teacher here, myself, we’re always learning from Mrs. Ferguson.”
Meier said Ferguson goes above and beyond to make class fun and looks for new ideas. Ferguson is one of the first people to arrive at school and one of the last ones to leave, Meier said.
Meier and Good Shepherd Principal Kristen Girten were both named finalists for the Outstanding Principal of the Year. Girten said she was “very blessed” to be named as one of the finalists.
“Our diocese is blessed to have amazing teachers and administrators who are working hard each day to provide a quality education for the students in our communities,” Girten said. “To be named a finalist among all these wonderful educators was very special to me. I am confident in saying none of us do our job for recognition. However, it is very nice to be recognized for hard work and dedication.”
Corpus Christi middle school teacher Stefanie Simmons was a finalist for Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion and deeply honored to be nominated as Outstanding Educator of the Year,” Simmons said. “It reminded me that the love, energy, and heart I pour into my students every day truly matters. I’m so grateful for my amazing coworkers, supportive team, and the students who inspire me to keep showing up with joy and purpose.”