Monona educator is runner-up for Excellence in Education award

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L to R: Tammy Wawro, ISEA President, Kurt Gaylor

DES MOINES, IA (12/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Kurt Gaylor, a guidance counselor at MFL MarMac Elementary in Monona, is a 2014 Excellence in Education Award runner-up. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). Gaylor 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, Iowa educators go above and beyond to help shape and, in many cases, to help change the lives of the students they teach."

Gaylor's dedication and devotion to his profession is evident in the extra hours he puts in both the classroom and in other activities and the student's responses to his efforts. He is a positive role model for his students who is willing to help in any way he can. He reinforces good behaviors, thinks of students who are less fortunate, is professional, responsible, hardworking, and above all, cares about all of his students individually and collectively.

"It is clear that Kurt'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 Kurt 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.

Gaylor received a $100 gift from the ISEA during an awards ceremony and banquet on Thursday, November 20, at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, courtesy of the ISEA.

The winner of the 2014 Excellence in Education Award is Karlys Gries, a teacher at Whittier Elementary in Sioux City. Gries received $1,000 courtesy of the ISEA. Other runners-up also honored included Jennifer Emblen, a fifth grade teacher at Beaver Creek Elementary in Johnston; John Hunsaker, an English teacher at Mediapolis High School in Mediapolis; and Terri Guenther-Mayer, an Agriculture teacher at South Tama High 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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