Goodrell Middle School teacher to be honored for excellence

DES MOINES, IA (10/29/2010)(readMedia)-- Traci Nalevanko, a sixth-grade teacher at May Goodrell Middle School in Des Moines, 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. Nalevanko was among a top field of 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."

Nalevanko plays a vital role in school and in the lives of her students because she cares deeply about their overall health and well-being. Hers is often the last car in the parking lot as she stays late into the evening calling parents to let them know if a student needs extra help-or has accomplished something good in class. Nalevanko's expectations are clear. She wants her students to work hard and try their best and she rewards them with lots of attention and praise.

"Traci works with students before and after school, stays late and comes in early. Her first priority is her students and it is clear they all know it," said Bern. "Educators aren't just teachers, they are leaders and they lead by example. Traci is leading a whole generation of students to be responsible, caring, and committed adults who are compassionate about the world around them," 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 Traci Nalevanko, 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.

Nalevanko 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 agriculture and natural resources teacher at Nevada High School in Nevada; Betty Dittrich, a fifth-grade teacher at Eldora-New Providence Elementary in Eldora; 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!