TDS Telecom presents Most Valuable Educator Award to Fort Atkinson teacher

Longtime educator John Lange honored with award and Green Bay Packers prize package

FORT ATKINSON, Wisconsin – TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) surprised a Crown of Life Christian Academy teacher with its Wisconsin Most Valuable Educator Award, which honors a person working in schools and making a difference in the lives of students and their community.

John Lange was presented the award and a Green Bay Packers prize package that includes two tickets to the Dec. 28 game against Baltimore, as well as the opportunity to take a group of students to Lambeau Field next spring to tour the stadium.

Lange was chosen as TDS’ Most Valuable Educator from more than 70 nominations throughout the state. He was honored Thursday morning in front of students and staff at an all-school assembly.

“Following a long and distinguished career in education, John Lange has stepped up time and again for Crown of Life Christian Academy, often working from sunup to sundown and pouring himself into every role with tireless energy and selfless service. His commitment to students is nothing short of remarkable and we’re honored to recognize him with the 2025 Wisconsin Most Valuable Educator Award," said Anna Jensen, TDS associate manager of Field Marketing, who presented him with the award.

Lange has worked in education for 45 years, including more than three decades in Michigan. After retirement, he joined Crown of Life Christian Academy last year in what was meant to be a short-term emergency call as an eighth-grade homeroom teacher and upper-grade science teacher. But he has continued this year as an instructional coach, mentor, and special education math teacher. During his tenure he has established himself as a mainstay at the school, attending sporting events, accompanying students on leadership camps, and filling every role that’s been asked of him.

Madison-based TDS has served Wisconsin for over 55 years, offering high-speed internet, a sophisticated TV product, and mobile and landline phone services. The company emphasizes supporting the communities it serves with programs such as the Wisconsin Most Valuable Educator program, now in its third year.

TDS is continuing construction on high-speed, all-fiber internet network in Fort Atkinson as well as Jefferson, Janesville, and other communities. For more information, visit TDSFiber.com.

Media Contact: Mark Schaaf | Manager of Communications | TDS Telecom | 414-326-3588 | mark.schaaf@tdstelecom.com

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the U.S. With 1.1 million connections, TDS’ mission is to create a better world through its communications services. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, and data networking services. Visit tdstelecom.com.

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,400 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS]. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) provides broadband, video and voice through its TDS Telecom business. Its Array business leases and offers tower space to third-party carriers. Founded in 1969, TDS is headquartered in Chicago. Visit tdsinc.com.

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