Mediapolis educator is runner-up for Excellence in Education Award

DES MOINES, IA (12/03/2014)(readMedia)-- John Hunsaker, an English Language Arts teacher at Mediapolis High School in Mediapolis, is a 2014 Excellence in Education Award runner-up. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). Hunsaker was chosen among a top field of over 60 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, our educators go above and beyond to help shape the lives of the students they teach."

Hunsaker is a popular teacher among his students and earns high praise from his colleagues as well. His dedication and devotion to his profession is evident in his ability to engage his students and be a mentor to his colleagues. Hunsaker arrives in his building a full hour ahead in order to teach his dual enrollment college- level composition and literature classes, which his students love. He is listed as a favorite teacher among students and the "go-to" person for his colleagues.

"It's clear that John'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 John who are invested in the lives of their students and go beyond what is expected to make an exceptional experience for them."

Now in its 15th year, the Excellence in Education Award honors educators around the state who make a difference in the classroom. Nominations are solicited beginning in September through October.

The winner of the 2014 Excellence in Education Award is Karlys Gries, a fifth grade teacher at Whittier Elementary in Sioux City. Gries received $1,000 courtesy of the ISEA. Other runners-up include Jennifer Emblen, an elementary teacher at Beaver Creek Elementary in Johnston; Kurt Gaylor, an elementary teacher at Monona Elementary in Monona; and Terri Guenther-Mayer, an Agriculture teacher at South Tama High School in Tama. All runners-up received $100 courtesy of the ISEA.

The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 34,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality education for all Iowa students.

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