Central Lee Community School District’s head music director is among nine educators being recognized as 2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year.
Tracy Madsen has been named the Great Prairie Regional Teacher of the Year by the Iowa Department of Education.
Madsen has two decades of experience in music education and leads Central Lee’s instrumental music program for grades five through 12 and vocal music program for grades seven through 12.
A graduate of Iowa Wesleyan College, Madsen has helped prepare music programs for performances on the national and international stage, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland; the 75th commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii; and the President’s Cup National High School Concert Band Invitational in Washington, D.C.
Madsen was also named Central Lee’s Teacher of the Year during the district’s 2024-25 Annual Awards. At the time, the district credited him with having a profound impact on students in the fine arts, creating an environment where students are trusted, challenged and empowered to reach their highest potential.
He was also recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Southeast District Choral Educator by the Iowa Choral Directors Association. Central Lee has received the National Association of Music Merchants Best Communities for Music Education Award for three consecutive years.
The Iowa Department of Education selected nine Regional Teachers of the Year from across the state based on their achievements in education and their impact on student success.
Madsen and the other eight regional honorees now advance as finalists for the 2027 Iowa Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced later this fall.