Leeds Elementary School office manager receives statewide honor

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Joyce Van Waart

DES MOINES, IA (04/19/2011)(readMedia)-- Sioux City's Leeds Elementary office manager, Joyce Van Waart, is this year's winner of the Iowa State Education Association's Education Support Professional award. She was honored Friday, April 8, at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames before a group of nearly 400 educators attending the ISEA Delegate Assembly.

"We represent so many outstanding professionals and Joyce is a wonderful example of someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and truly exemplifies what it means to be a committed and caring professional. Joyce's dedication to the children in school and devotion to building her local association make her a gift to the community" said ISEA President Chris Bern.

As office manager at Leeds Elementary, Joyce does everything from making the awards for students for Awards Day to ordering buses for field trips. She keeps the financial records and completes the payroll information for over 100 employees and is the face of the school when visitors arrive or call.

"So many times we expect our front-line employees to be all things to all people. Joyce is able to fill these shoes and then some," said Bern. "It takes a special person to be able to juggle all of these tasks and still earn the respect and admiration of your colleagues and Joyce has done just that. She is a wonderfully caring and committed professional and we are proud she is a member of the Association" added Bern.

The Education Support Professional Award was established to recognize the many contributions school support staff members make to teachers, students, and the education profession. Winners are nominated by peers in their community.

The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 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!