Area activist honored for commitment to public education

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L to R: M. Beranek, ISEA President, K. Nichols, Princess Moss, NEA Secretary Treasurer

DES MOINES, IA (08/02/2018) (readMedia)-- Karen Nichols, founder of a Facebook group entitled "Iowans for Public Education" received the 2018 Friend of Education Award on Monday, June 30, at the West Des Moines Sheraton, in West Des Moines before a group of nearly 200 educators attending an awards banquet.

Nichols is a small business owner and parent of children attending public school in Iowa City. She founded Iowans for Public Education a Facebook group which now has more than 10,000 followers focused on mobilizing support for public education. Nichols also helped to organize a teacher's march in 2016 drawing more than 3,000 people to the Iowa Capitol protesting against dismantling Chapter 20.

"Karen and Iowans for Public Education have been strong partners in shining a light on how harmful the past eight years of legislative budget cuts have been on our students, schools and teachers," said Mike Beranek, President of ISEA. "Working with parents and community members like Karen has had a tremendous impact on building awareness and making sure the right voices are heard. She has been a tireless advocate for students, our public schools and our profession and we are grateful for her incredible work.

ISEA's Friend of Education Award honors citizens who give their time and energy, but pays special tribute to one individual or group who has made a significant contribution to education. The award recognizes that education is a total community effort and that we must combine efforts to provide for our students.

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The ISEA is a professional organization of educators and school employees dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students.