Jill Dallenbach has been awarded the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year for Triton Public Schools. Jill is the K-12 art teacher for Triton. She has had a passion for art since she was a child. Her mother was a professional artist and had an art studio in their home. Jill grew up exposed to art and the creative process from a young age. Jill has been teaching at Triton for 30 years. Jill graduated high school from Apollo High School in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Jill said, “I had a fantastic art teacher named Mr. Hummel. He, along with my Mom, inspired my passion for art.” When looking for colleges to attend, she submitted pictures of her art that she made in high school to Mankato State University. Jill received an art talent grant from MSU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in visual arts education K-12.
Jill began her teaching career in an elementary school in Madelia, MN. She taught half-time art and was half-time in the kindergarten classroom as a paraprofessional. She wanted to teach art full-time time and that led her to Triton. This school year starts Jill's 30th year with Triton. Jill said, “My first two years, I taught 7-12th grade. I started my day at the high school and ended at the middle school in West Concord. I then switched to elementary school, where I have taught for the last 28 years. This year I am teaching half-time in the elementary school and half-time in the high school. High school classes this year are Ceramics 1 and 2, Painting 1, Intro to Art, and Draw and Design 1. My favorite medium is painting. I love all varieties, watercolor, acrylic, oil and tempera.”
When asked, Why did you become a teacher, Jill said, “I became a teacher because I remember art classes being the highlight of my day when I was in school. It was a chance to be creative and imaginative. I wanted to teach students and give them an opportunity to feel the same way that I did. I wanted to help them develop their own passion for art and give them a strong foundation in the elements and principles of design. My goal is to encourage all students to appreciate, enjoy, and create art throughout their entire lives. My favorite thing about teaching is showing students new art techniques that they have never seen before.”
Part of the Teacher of the Year selection process is to have staff nominations. Jill’s Triton colleague nomination said this about her. Jill Dallenbach is a great art teacher. She loves both both art and teaching. She has a strong foundation in various art forms, techniques, and effectively demonstrates and explains concepts to her students. Jill has been teaching for 30 years. This year she has a new teaching responsibility; she is teaching not only elementary art, but also teaching high school. She has a very busy schedule and handles it like a pro. Jill is constantly developing new and engaging projects and always stimulates students' imagination and encourages original thinking. She is flexible and is able to adapt lessons to different learning styles and student needs, and is willing to change activities when necessary. Jill has a creative mind and a collaborative atmosphere where she encourages her students to develop their skills and build their confidence. Her strong organizational skills are a huge strength, which is crucial for preparing solid, engaging lessons for K-12 art students. Jill is an outstanding and flexible art teacher, admired for her creativity, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the needs of Triton students. She is a very deserving teacher for Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Jill Dallenbach, for being selected Triton’s Teacher of the Year. We appreciate your years of dedication to the Triton School District. Triton is fortunate to have you as a teacher.