Red Oak Teacher Wins Statewide Honor

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L to R Presnall, Erickson, Bern

DES MOINES, IA (12/06/2010)(readMedia)-- Mark Erickson, a third-grade teacher at Inman Primary in Red Oak, has been named the 2010 Excellence in Education Award winner. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), the Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, KDSM Fox 17, and STAPLES. Erickson was among a top field of 50 teachers all nominated by co-workers, students, 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. "It is clear Mark's students receive encouragement, direction, and extra care above and beyond the average classroom experience," Bern added. "Mark's creativity, passion, and leadership skills all combine to make a tremendous impact in his classroom and beyond. This award truly is about teachers like Mark, who go the extra mile to make sure students are learning." Bern said.

"The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is proud to be a part of honoring those who devote their lives to guiding and shaping young minds; teachers, together with parents, provide the building blocks for the next generation of leaders. Mark Erickson is the kind of teacher who exemplifies not just his profession, but the very ideals our organization holds dear; hard work, dedication and integrity," said IFBF Executive Director, Denny Presnall.

Now in its 11th year, the Excellence in Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state like Mark Erickson who make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited beginning in September through October 1, and forms were available at local county Farm Bureau offices and through the ISEA.

Erickson received a cash prize of $1,000 and his school received another $1,000 from the Iowa Farm Bureau during an awards ceremony and banquet on Thursday, November 18, at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau. He also received a $400 gift card from STAPLES.

Runners-up were 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; Traci Nalevanko, a sixth-grade teacher at May Goodrell Middle School in Des Moines; and Bonnie Smith, a seventh-grade reading teacher at Clarke Community School in Osceola. All runners-up received a $100 gift card, courtesy of STAPLES.

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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!