The Tippecanoe School Corporation has named Lisa Merryman as the TSC Elementary Teacher of the Year and Kristen Trella as the TSC Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

Merryman is a kindergarten teacher at Woodland Elementary School with 28 years of experience in education. She holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University. 

Principal Lee Sweet says Merryman’s commitment to student success shines in everything she does. “Her unwavering dedication to students, creative teaching methods and passion for inspiring a love of learning are just a few reasons she deserves this honor,” says Sweet. “Her peers would say she is knowledgeable, kind and always ready to help. She fosters an environment of collaboration, invites input and shares her expertise generously.”

Merryman extends learning beyond the classroom through meaningful connections with the community. She partners with the McCutcheon High School FACS department to coordinate shared activities around topics such as apples, pumpkins and pizza making. She also leads her students into making blankets for the Humane Society and invites guest speakers into the classroom, like naturalist Mary Cutler and local firefighters.

Trella is an English teacher at Harrison High School with 25 years of teaching experience. She has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Northwest and a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. 

Principal Cory Marshall says Trella has the ability to meet students where they are, helping struggling learners grasp important concepts while also challenging high-achieving students to reach new levels. “Ms. Trella’s classroom is one of constant activities,” Marshall says. “Her students clearly realize that her classroom is a place of learning and work, but also that enjoyment and fun can come from such activities.”

Beyond the classroom, Trella serves as a travel club sponsor and coach for the girls swimming and diving team. A multiple-time NCC Coach of the year, Trella emphasizes character development and community involvement by organizing service projects that support the American Red Cross and a local animal shelter.

Click here to see the surprise classroom announcements.

A committee selected the two winners from a field of 19 building-level winners (listed below). Merryman and Trella will represent TSC in the Indiana 2026 Teacher of the Year program.
 

2024-25 Teachers of the Year

Elementary Schools

Lauren Ahlersmeyer, Battle Ground, Kindergarten

Lisa Isenbarger, Burnett Creek, Fourth Grade

Tiffani Earley, Cole, Kindergarten

Julie Doan Baumann, Dayton, Music 

Kristin Hodgen, Hershey, Special Education

Beth White, Klondike, ENL

William Fusiek, Mayflower Mill, Fifth Grade

Kelsey Greer, Mintonye, Fifth Grade

Molly Scheel, Wea Ridge, Second Grade

Lisa Merryman, Woodland, Kindergarten

Stephanie Lange, Wyandotte, Fourth Grade

 

Middle Schools

Rebecca Combs, Battle Ground, English

Joseph Margraf, East Tipp, Mathematics

Jody Vanderwielen, Klondike, English

Milt Anderson, Southwestern, Art

Jessica Oertel, Wainwright, PE/Health

Mary Eisert, Wea Ridge, English

 

High Schools

Kristen Trella, Harrison, English

Megan Evans, McCutcheon, Mathematics