Sioux Rapids, IA (NorthwestIowaNow.com) – Sioux Central Community School District teacher Melanie Bloom has been recognized as Prairie Lakes Regional Teacher of the Year. The Iowa Department of Education announced the winners on Monday, November 18th, and 9 teachers within 9 regions of Iowa were recognized.

Melanie Bloom is an agricultural teacher at Sioux Central High School in Sioux Rapids, and she was surprised when she found out.

Bloom has been teaching at Sioux Central schools since 2002, although she worked from home for a time working with agriculture teachers nationwide to write curriculum.

Bloom gives credit to those who surround her.

The Harris-Lake Park graduate also credits the teachers who inspired her to become a teacher.

The Sioux Central School District is planning an official celebration to honor Bloom in the next few weeks.