Area educator celebrated for excellence in the classroom

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L to R: ISEA President Tammy Wawro and Melinda Orris

DES MOINES, IA (11/21/2013)(readMedia)-- Melinda Orris, a social studies teacher at Maquoketa High School in Maquoketa, is a 2013 Excellence in Education Award runner-up. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). Orris 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."

Orris leads by example and inspires her students through her actions and deeds so they become leaders in their own right. She started Club Hope for students to become involved in community service. By hosting Toys for Tots, Dance Marathons for the Iowa City Children's Hospital, and Art for Africa, Mindy keeps students involved and focused on volunteer work that makes a difference. She urges her students to "be the change you wish to see in the world," inspiring them to reach beyond the walls of the classroom to find their potential. It is this drive and determination that earned Mindy an Excellence in Education runner-up award.

"It's clear that Mindy's creativity, passion, and work all combine to make a tremendous impact in her classroom and beyond, and we applaud her achievement," said Wawro. The Excellence in Education Award celebrates educators like Mindy 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.

Orris 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 include John Baker, a community college instructor at Scott Community College in Bettendorf; Beth Fettweis, an English teacher at City High School in Iowa City; 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!