Norwalk Educator Honored at Awards Banquet

Related Media

Left to Right: Chris Bern, Pamela Nichols, Evelyn George

DES MOINES, IA (11/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Pamela Nichols, a fifth-grade teacher at Lakewood Elementary in Norwalk was honored as a runner-up for the 2011 Excellence in Education award on November 15, in Des Moines. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), the Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, KDSM Fox 17, STAPLES, and Smilemakers.

"This award recognizes the truly exceptional work done by educators to help their students succeed," said Chris Bern, president of the ISEA. "When you read through all the nominations you can see how Iowa educators consistently exceed expectations in order to change the lives of their students."

"We are especially happy to be a part of honoring the excellence, hard work, and dedication of teachers who stand as role models for students and their communities." said Evelyn George, marketing coordinator for the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Pamela Nichols is a 28-year veteran teacher who never stops learning. She willingly embraces all forms of technology and constantly shares her ideas with her peers. Quickly moving her students forward and helping familiarize them with as many gadgets as possible her classroom uses student response systems, screen casting, Q code readers, Smartboard, iPads, iPods, LCD projectors, desktop computers and cameras. She strongly believes in connecting with her students and cultivating a relevant learning environment conducive to real-world applications.

"Pamela's enthusiasm combined with her grasp of what kids need to know once they leave the classroom make her fifth-grade class such an appropriate and meaningful experience," said Chris Bern, president of the ISEA. "Her students are so excited to learn and their generation is so eager to embrace all sorts of technology. Pamela is meeting them where they are in such an exciting and relevant way," added Bern.

Now in its twelfth year, the 2011 Excellence in Education Award honors the countless educators across the state like Pamela Nichols who go the extra mile to make a difference. Nichols received a gift certificate from STAPLES and Smilemakers during an award ceremony and banquet on Tuesday, November 15 at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines, courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

The winner of the 2011 Excellence in Education Award is Liz Altemeier, a first-grade teacher from Grant Wood Elementary School in Cedar Rapids. Other runners-up include Janet Coon, a middle-school science teacher from East Middle School in Sioux City, Debbie DeVore, a high-school English teacher, speech and theater coach from Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi, and Scott Bertelsen, a high-school speech teacher and drama coach from Forest City High School in Forest City.

The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 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!