Cedar Rapids teacher wins the 2011 Excellence in Education award

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L to R Bern, Altemeier, George

DES MOINES, IA (11/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Elizabeth Altemeier, a first-grade teacher at Grant Wood Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, is the 2011 Excellence in Education Award winner. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), the Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, KDSM Fox 17, STAPLES, and Smilemakers. Altemeier was chosen from over 50 teachers nominated by co-workers, students, and community members because of the difference she makes every day in the lives of her students.

"This award recognizes the truly exceptional work done by educators to help their students succeed," said Chris Bern, president of the ISEA. "When you read through all the nominations you can see how Iowa educators consistently exceed expectations in order to change the lives of their students."

"We are especially happy to be a part of honoring the excellence, hard work and dedication of teachers who stand as rol models for students and their communities." said Evelyn George, marketing coordinator for the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Altemeier not only provides a top-notch first-grade education to her students, she also creates a safe environment in the classroom, providing individual attention, care, and nurturing to each and every child.

"Parents and educators refer to Liz Altemeier as a 'child whisperer," said Bern. "According to those who work with her, she earned the reputation because no matter what type of child, she helps them adjust and makes them willing and ready to learn."

Altemeier helped initiate the Backpack Program to help underprivileged children at school (over half the student population) who have little to eat at home on the weekend. Students receive a backpack on Friday filled with nutritious foods. As a result, students come to school on Monday healthy and ready to learn. In addition to getting this program up and running, Altemeier shopped, stuffed, and delivered backpacks, and continues to support the program.

Now in its twelfth year, the 2011 Excellence in Education Award honors the countless educators across the state like Liz Altemeier who go the extra mile to make a difference. Altemeier received a cash prize of $1,000 and her school received another $1,000 from the Iowa Farm Bureau during an awards ceremony and banquet on Tuesday, November 15, at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines, courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Runners-up honored at the Excellence in Education banquet include Scott Bertelsen, a high school speech teacher and drama coach at Forest City High School; Janet Coon, a middle school science teacher at East Middle School, Sioux City; Debbie DeVore, a high school English teacher, speech and theater coach at Maquoketa Valley High School, Delhi; and Pamela Nichols, a fifth-grade teacher at Lakewood Elementary School, Norwalk.

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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 public education for all Iowa students. Great Education...It's an Iowa Basic!