Local art educator receives statewide honor

Harlan Community School District art teacher Doug Renkly honored at banquet

DES MOINES, IA (08/09/2017) (readMedia)-- Doug Renkly, an art teacher in the Harlan Community School District, is a 2017 Excellence in Education Award runner-up. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). Renkly was chosen among a top field of 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, Iowa educators go above and beyond to help shape and, in many cases, to help change the lives of the students they teach," Wawro added.

Doug's dedication and devotion to his profession is evident in the student responses to his efforts in the classroom. He is a positive role model who is willing to help in any way he can providing a creative sanctuary in his classroom that fosters respect and growth. Often graduates come back to visit and spend time with Doug which is truly a measure of the love and esteem he fosters. Doug reinforces positive behaviors, is professional, responsible, hardworking and above all, cares about all of his students individually and collectively.

"It is clear that Doug's creativity, passion and work all combine to make a tremendous impact in his classroom and beyond, and we applaud his achievement," said Wawro. "The Excellence in Education Award celebrates educators like Doug who are invested in the lives of their students and go beyond what is expected to make an exceptional experience for them," Wawro added.

Now in its 17th year, the Excellence in Education Award honors educators around the state who make a difference in the classroom. Nominations are solicited beginning in January through March.

Renkly received a $100 gift from the ISEA during an awards ceremony and banquet on Monday, July 31, at Prairie Meadows Convention Center in Altoona, courtesy of the ISEA.

The winner of the 2017 Excellence in Education Award is Kim Pelzer, a teacher at Tipton Elementary in Tipton. Pelzer received $1,000 courtesy of the ISEA. Other runners-up also honored included Marilyn Rippy, a music teacher at South Tama Elementary in Tama; Meredith Skala, a teacher at Hopewell Elementary in Bettendorf; and Consuelo Steel-Cherry, a para-educator at Roosevelt Middle School in Cedar Rapids. All runners-up received $100 courtesy of the ISEA.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of educators and school employees who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality education for all Iowa students.