Eldora teacher will be honored at awards banquet

DES MOINES, IA (10/29/2010)(readMedia)-- Betty Dittrich, a fifth-grade teacher at Eldora-New Providence Elementary in Eldora, is a 2010 Excellence in Education Award runner-up. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), the Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, KDSM Fox 17, and STAPLES. Cooper was among a top field of over 50 teachers-all nominated by colleagues, students, parents, and community members-because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's schoolchildren.

"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 Chris Bern, president of the ISEA. "All of the nominations are a testament to the dedication and compassion Iowa educators have for their students and all of them demonstrated how Iowa's educators go above and beyond the scope of their work to change the lives of the students they teach."

Dittrich has high expectations for all of her students and their achievements prove that she accomplishes what she sets out to do. She has the successful formula of strong leadership, discipline, and fun which both students and colleagues respond to positively. Dittrich is known for researching new and best practices for teaching and for sharing them with her colleagues and is a resident expert in how to use new technologies to enhance learning in the classroom. She collaborates with all staff to help create the best teaching practices for the classroom and is known among her students to make them feel special and want to achieve their own personal excellence.

"Betty is described as the kind of person who shows true compassion and encourages and expects others to do the same" said Bern. "Certainly kindness, respect, and enthusiasm are all qualities that make up the best in our field and Betty has them in spades. Repeatedly mentioned in the nominations is Betty's leadership in bringing new and innovative educational approaches to the classroom, her ability to motivate students, and her all-around drive to assist in helping her students and her colleagues," Bern added. "She epitomizes what this award is all about-making an impact on her students and helping shape them for the better. We are so proud she is a part of our profession and we're honored to give her this award."

Now in its 11th year, the 2010 Excellence in Education Award honors the countless educators across the state that, like Betty Dittrich, go the extra mile to make a difference. Nominations were solicited beginning in September through October 1, and forms were available from the ISEA and at local county Farm Bureau offices.

Dittrich will receive a gift certificate from STAPLES during an awards ceremony and banquet on Thursday, November 18, at the Polk County Convention Complex in downtown Des Moines, courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

The winner of the 2010 Excellence in Education Award is Mark Erickson, a third-grade teacher at Inman Primary School in Red Oak. Other runners-up will also be honored and include Kevin Cooper, an agricultural and natural resources teacher at Nevada High School in Nevada; Traci Nalevanko, a sixth-grade teacher at May Goodrell Middle School in Des Moines; and Bonnie Smith, a seventh-grade reading teacher at Clarke Community School in Osceola. All runners-up will receive a $100 gift card, courtesy of STAPLES.

All of the nominees, along with the individuals who nominated them, are invited to attend the awards banquet at no charge.

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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!