Nevada High School teacher wins top honor from the Iowa State Education Association

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L to R: Kevin Cooper and Tammy Wawro

DES MOINES, IA (05/05/2016)(readMedia)-- Kevin Cooper, an Agriculture and Natural Resources teacher at Nevada High School in Nevada, is the 2016 Excellence in Education Award winner. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). Cooper was selected among a top field of educators – all nominated by co-workers, 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. Showcasing how educators go above and beyond to help shape the lives of the students they teach is what this award is all about."

Kevin received an unprecedented number of nominations from students, colleagues and administrators all praising his dedication, tireless advocacy and his strong work ethic which translates to those in his classroom. As an agriculture teacher, Kevin's classroom is geared toward helping his students grow in every aspect of their daily lives. As the Nevada High School Future Farmers of America advisor, Kevin works long hours during the year and into the summer with special projects, class trips and other opportunities that build confidence and leadership skills in his students. Kevin's go-to word is "opportunity" which he presses upon all of his students. Whether it is applying to be an Iowa State Fair Grandstand usher or entering a project in the FFA convention, Kevin encourages his students to make the most of their potential. He works with his students to understand that anything is possible as long as they set their minds to a task and work hard.

"It's clear that Kevin's creativity, passion, and work all combine to make a tremendous impact in his classroom and beyond," added Wawro. The Excellence in Education Award is about teachers like Kevin who are invested in the lives of their students and go way beyond what is expected to make an exceptional educational experience for students.

Now in its 16th 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.

Cooper received a cash prize of $1,000 from the Iowa State Education Association during an awards ceremony and banquet on Tuesday, May 3, in Des Moines.

Four runners-up were also honored at the Excellence in Education banquet. Joyce Lansing, a special needs instructor at Maquoketa High School in Maquoketa; Kathryn Richey, an English Language Arts teacher at Tate High School in Iowa City; Laura Tracy, a kindergarten teacher at North Butler Elementary in Allison; and Kyle Van Ausdall, a Business Education teacher at Central Lee Community High School in Donnellson. All runners-up received $100 courtesy of the ISEA.

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

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