West De Pere teacher named one of the Wisconsin Teachers of the Year in surprise assembly

WEST DE PERE (WLUK) -- A teacher in West De Pere was recognized as one of Wisconsin's top educators at a surprise schoolwide assembly Thursday.

Bethany Counard, who has been teaching English language arts (ELA) at West De Pere Middle School since 2018, was named one of the 2025 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year. She is the second of five teachers to receive the award so far.

"I do my best to make connections and try to learn every day and learn from my students, learn from my colleagues. I don't know how that makes me stand out any differently, but I'm very appreciative," Counard said.

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly presented Counard with the honor as her students, colleagues, family and friends cheered and applauded. Counard said it came as a total shock.

"I did not have any idea. I just found out that they've known for a while and I'm very surprised. They did a really good job at keeping the secret," she said.

Along with her teaching position, Counard is also an advisor for the school's National Junior Honor Society, sponsor of the Reading Rocks group and a volleyball coach.

"Education is a team endeavor, and that includes the students in that as well," Counard said. "I just hope that I'm making connections and helping kids to see that they've a part of something bigger."

A news release describes why Counard was selected as one of the Wisconsin Teachers of the Year.

... guiding students as they explore new topics and encouraging them to ask questions, be authentic and creative. Counard helps students become competent and conscientious members of society by promoting the growth of the whole child – academically, socially, and emotionally. She strives to create a student-led environment, and involves students in all aspects of her classroom, providing opportunities for them to realize the relevancy of what they are learning.

Counard has been an educator for over two decades. She taught different grades at the high school level prior to joining the Phantoms.