Year Awarded: 2010
Rockbook Elementary Special Education Teacher and Part-Time Autism Specialist
One of the two most recent winners of the Christa McAuliffe Prize is Rhonda Josten, a special education teacher at Rockbrook Elementary in Omaha and part-time autism specialist for Westside Community Schools. Josten believes every child has bright potential and works towards helping them achieve their potential every day. Using sensory tools to help facilitate a relaxing and pleasant learning environment, Josten spends one-on-one time with her students. Her third part-time job that helps keep her constantly busy is educating teachers on how to teach children with autism.
"Rhonda sees potential in and believes in every child, and she encourages children to believe in themselves."
-Steve Milliken
director of special services for Westside Community Schools