(Underwood, IA) – Officials with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation know that the classroom is about more than just numbers, and for Renee Williams, it’s about building a foundation of trust. On May 11th, the Charles E. Lakin Foundation presented a 2026 Outstanding Teacher Award to Mrs. Williams, a middle school math teacher at Underwood Community School District. The prestigious $10,000 award recognizes her tireless commitment to student success and her gift for making even the most daunting mathematical concepts feel approachable for every student.
The Foundation said in a press release, that while many talented educators across southwest Iowa were nominated for the annual award, Williams’ nomination stood out for its heart. Submitted by an Underwood parent, the recommendation painted a picture of a teacher who doesn’t just teach a curriculum, but truly
sees her students. “She makes it known that her classroom is a safe place to ask questions, make
mistakes, and ask for help without fear or embarrassment.”
“Over the years, math became something my daughter dreaded so much that it affected how she felt about school altogether. Mrs. Williams recognized immediately that my daughter’s struggles were not about effort or behavior, but about confidence and understanding. She took the time to build a relationship with my daughter so she would feel safe, understood, and supported. That extra effort changed everything. My daughter began participating, asking questions, and believing she was capable of learning.”
The Charles E. Lakin Outstanding Teacher Award celebrates four exceptional public school teachers each year from districts within a 40-mile radius of Emerson, Iowa, the hometown of the late philanthropist Charles E. Lakin. The award has a significant impact for both the individual and the school district, including a $10,000 personal award for the teacher in recognition of their excellence, and an additional $2,500 awarded to the recipient’s school district to fund future educational initiatives.
“The Underwood Community School District and the Charles E. Lakin Foundation proudly congratulate Mrs. Williams on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for turning the classroom into a place of true belonging.”
