Area community college instructor wins top honor

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L to R: ISEA President Tammy Wawro and John Baker

DES MOINES, IA (11/21/2013)(readMedia)-- John Baker, a community college instructor at Scott Community College in Bettendorf, is a 2013 Excellence in Education Award runner-up. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). Baker was chosen among a top field of over 60 educators-all nominated by colleagues, students, parents, and community members-because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's students.

"This award is truly about recognizing the educators who work hard on a daily basis and rarely get the recognition they so richly deserve," said Tammy Wawro, president of the ISEA. The nominations we receive are a testament to the dedication and compassion Iowa educators have for their students and the communities in which they live. Clearly, our educators go above and beyond to help shape the lives of the students they teach."

Baker's dedication and devotion to his profession is evident in his ability to engage his students and be a mentor to colleagues. John pioneered the Great Teachers Workshop which gives educators the ability to share their expertise and experiences, and learn from each other-an idea established long before current legislation focusing on the same concept which seeks to enhance the profession. The Workshop has grown exponentially and John has presented in Iowa, Thailand, Africa, and most recently in the Kingdom of Jordan.

"It's clear that John's creativity, passion, and work all combine to make a tremendous impact in his classroom and beyond and we applaud his achievement," said Wawro. The Excellence in Education Award celebrates educators like John who are invested in the lives of their students and go beyond what is expected to make an exceptional experience for them.

Now in its 14th year, the Excellence in Education Award honors educators around the state who make a difference in the classroom. Nominations are solicited beginning in September through October.

Baker received a $100 gift from the ISEA during an awards ceremony and banquet on Monday, November 18, at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, courtesy of the Iowa State Education Association.

The winner of the 2013 Excellence in Education Award is Heather Anderson, an elementary teacher at Cowles Montessori School in Des Moines. Anderson received $1,000 courtesy of the Iowa State Education Association. Other runners-up also honored and include Beth Fettweis, an English teacher at City High School in Iowa City; Melinda Orris, a social studies teacher at Maquoketa High School; and Sarah Wessels, a middle school special education teacher in the Coulter – Alexander – Latimer School District; All runners-up received $100 courtesy of the ISEA.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 34,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality education for all Iowa students. Great Education...It's an Iowa Basic!