On March 17, 2026, East Art teacher Ryan Koning received an email from the Rotary Club of Des Moines that she had won the Rotary Club Educator of the Year, alongside four other teachers in the district.
The Rotary Club of Des Moines is a non-profit and charitable organization that provides service to others, promotes high ethical standards, and advances peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. The Rotary Club engages in various community service projects, youth service initiatives, and educational programs.
Koning is very appreciated and excited for receiving the Educator of the Year award.
“I feel very honored and surprised,” Koning said.
While she is being appreciated for being awarded Educator of the Year, she also feels nervous about being on billboards around Des Moines.
“I feel a little nervous, I hope it’s a good picture,” Koning said.
Although she is very excited, she also has plans to improve her classroom with the $1,500 that was given.
“With the money reward, I want to buy something that can enhance our program moving forward. I thought about getting a nice portable projector so we can make more murals around campus more easily,” Koning said.
East High Principal, Jill Versteeg, believes that Koning has worked hard in the classroom, and she is committed to growing and helping students with finding their spark through art.
“Ms. Koning is a wonderful educator who brings so much every day to her classroom in support of student learning and engages the community with her classes. She is committed to continuing to learn and grow and is inspired to help any student find magic in their art,” Versteeg said.
As she works hard in the classroom, she still finds time to bond and grow connections with her students.
“She always tells funny stories and is always willing to listen to her students babble on about their lives while teaching them simultaneously,” senior Reece Harp said.
When Koning is not in the classroom, she continues to express herself through art in many ways.
“She’s an artist, she doesn’t just do classroom art, she does art for herself as well,” Art teacher Joleen Weller said.