Last Thursday, Le Mars Community Schools named Kari Kopperud, professional school counselor for Clark and Franklin Elementary Schools, as their 2026 Teacher of the Year. Kopperud was surprised during a special assembly Thursday morning with family, friends, co-workers, and students in attendance. She told KLEM what she loves about her duties as a school counselor.
Kopperud said she is honored and thankful for the award.
Kopperud joined the Le Mars Community School District in 2017 as a middle school guidance counselor. A few years later, she transitioned to her current position. Beyond the classroom, she is involved in the community as a leader in her church, a member of TTT, the LCSD Alumni Association, the Le Mars Community Education Association, and the Iowa State Education Association.
Kari resides in Le Mars with her husband Judd, a LCHS guidance counselor, and their three children: Kortney, a senior; Jordan, a freshman; and Jess, a 7th grader. Mrs. Kopperud was nominated for this award by Clark and Franklin staff and students. She will be honored at the School Foundation banquet on April 15th in the lower level of the Le Mars Convention Center.
