Osceola Teacher Will Be Honored at Awards Banquet

DES MOINES, IA (10/29/2010)(readMedia)-- Bonnie Smith, a seventh-grade reading teacher at Clarke Community School in Osceola, is a 2010 Excellence in Education Award runner-up. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), the Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, KDSM Fox 17, and STAPLES. Smith was among a top field of 50 teachers-all nominated by colleagues, students, parents, and community members-because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's schoolchildren.

"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 Chris Bern, president of the ISEA. "All of the nominations are a testament to the dedication and compassion Iowa educators have for their students and all of them demonstrated how Iowa's educators go above and beyond the scope of their work to change the lives of the students they teach."

Smith's story is an inspiration. She was nominated by a former student who learned English as a second language and struggled through school. However, with Smith's care and guidance, that student graduated as class Valedictorian and is now a sophomore at Creighton University. Smith took the extra time and attention needed to help guide a young life through the tough years and to a successful and positive start.

"Oftentimes, we overlook that educators play a special role in the lives of so many children and young adults. They have so much input and have the ability to positively impact so many lives," said Bern. "When we hear about an educator like Bonnie and actually hear firsthand from the student she helped guide, we know we've got a real gem in the classroom" Bern added. "I can't think of a better reward than to have a student return after years out of the classroom and still remember the special teacher who helped them when they were struggling. Bonnie is an inspiration to all of us and she epitomizes what this award is all about-making an impact on students and helping shape them for the better. We are so proud she is a part of our profession and we're honored to give her this award," Bern said.

Now in its 11th year, the 2010 Excellence in Education Award honors the countless educators across the state who, like Bonnie Smith, go the extra mile to make a difference. Nominations were solicited beginning in September through October 1, and forms were available from the ISEA and at local county Farm Bureau offices.

Smith will receive a gift certificate from STAPLES during an awards ceremony and banquet on Thursday, November 18, at the Polk County Convention Complex in downtown Des Moines, courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

The winner of the 2010 Excellence in Education Award is Mark Erickson, a third-grade teacher at Inman Primary School in Red Oak. Other runners-up will also be honored and include Kevin Cooper, an agriculture and natural resources teacher at Nevada High School in Nevada; Betty Dittrich, a fifth-grade teacher at Eldora-New Providence Elementary in Eldora; and Traci Nalevanko, a sixth-grade teacher at May Goodrell Middle School in Des Moines. All runners-up will receive a $100 gift card, courtesy of STAPLES.

All of the nominees, along with the individuals who nominated them, are invited to attend the awards banquet at no charge.

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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!