Teresa Lawler (right). Photo courtesy of IHSSA Hall of Fame Facebook page

A former educator from Greene County recently earned a prestigious honor.

Teresa Lawler was inducted into the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame. Lawler first became involved with IHSSA while teaching at Glenwood High School. She then went on to teach at five central Iowa high schools, including Jefferson-Scranton, Carroll, Melcher-Dallas, Ankeny and most recently at Ankeny Centennial. 

During that almost four decade career, Lawler served as Southwest District Officer, hosted several speech and debate contests, and has helped seven former students become language arts teachers and/or speech coaches. She is also a recipient of the 2021 National Federation of State High School Associations Speech, Debate, Theatre Educator Award, and the 2002 Iowa Student Council Adviser of the Year.

Lawler joined the other 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee with Timothy Sheaff of Dowling Catholic. A ceremony was held last month.