Dallenbach named Triton Teacher of the Year

Jill Dallenbach has been awarded the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year for Triton Public Schools.
Dallenbach 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. She grew up exposed to art and the creative process from a young age.
For the past 30 years she has taught at Triton.
Dallenbach graduated from Apollo High School in St. Cloud, which is where she got her passion for art.
“I had a fantastic art teacher named Mr. Hummel,” Dallenbach said. “ He, along with my Mom, inspired my passion for art.”
Afer earning an art talent grant from Mankato State University, she graduated with her degree in visual arts education K-12.
Her career began in Madelia, where she taught half-time art and was half-time in the kindergarten classroom as a paraprofessional.
With a desire to teach full-time she ended up in Triton three decades ago.
“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,” she said. “ 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.”
Dallenbach said she became a teacher because she remembered art classes being the highlight of her day in school.
“It was a chance to be creative and imaginative,” Dallenbach said. “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, and she received many.
“Jill is constantly developing new and engaging projects and always stimulates students’ imagination and encourages original thinking,” one member said.