The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) is pleased to recognize Ted Neitzke, Chief Executive Officer and Agency Administrator for CESA 6, as the recipient of its 2023 Spirit of Education Award. Neitzke was recognized during a community celebration on March 13. 

Every year, the Oshkosh Area School District is honored to present the Spirit of Education Award at Celebrate Education - an annual event organized by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation to honor local teachers, principals, coaches and volunteers for their continuous hard work and dedication to Oshkosh students. The Spirit of Education Award is presented to an individual or a team of individuals who provides exceptional service to the district, schools, and community, has a passion for learning, inspires others, and is a role model for school and community partnerships. 

The Oshkosh Area School District has been fortunate to partner with Neitzke on numerous initiatives at all levels of the organization ranging from school board training to student leadership. Through his leadership, and with his expertise, the District has embraced a culture of continuous improvement. School board members are committed to serving as a high performing board to successfully guide our district. Administrators have the skills and confidence to initiate and support improvement at all levels so that the District can continue to do better for students. Staff are encouraged to challenge what’s not working and build solutions so that students have the very best experiences and opportunities. Students are benefiting from the alignment in the system and are invited to be leaders themselves - influencing the way Oshkosh does education. 

As an advocate for education, Neitzke has a unique ability to inspire and energize those around him. He’s often described as contagiously energetic, insanely curious, and service-orientated. He is the host and creator of “The Smart Thinking Podcast,” which is dedicated to supporting leadership in the classroom, the boardroom, and in life by sparking reflection, action, collaboration, and empathy. He also developed a unique philosophy known as buffalo leadership, which invites educators and leaders to face challenges head-on, to be proactive, optimistic, strong, and courageous. Ted Neitzke exemplifies the Spirit of Education Award and the District is honored to recognize and celebrate his ongoing impact in Oshkosh.