Red Oak teacher wins statewide honor

DES MOINES, IA (10/29/2010)(readMedia)-- Mark Erickson, a third-grade teacher at Inman Primary in Red Oak, is 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. "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."

Mark was a young student of Inman's current school principal, Buck Laughlin, who was also one of seven who nominated Mark for the award. As principal Laughlin said in his nominating letter, "I saw this young boy grow and develop into a responsible student who had a positive attitude toward learning, who put forth his best effort and strived to achieve at the highest levels. It was evident during Mark's interview that he chose a profession in teaching for all the right reasons: to make a difference for students, facilitate student learning to the highest levels, and to create a classroom environment to support all students, regardless of their strengths and challenges. He brings these to his third-grade classroom each and every day".

The letters nominating Mark are crowded with words describing his teaching style as "engaging" and "exciting," "gentle," and "steady." Nominators say he is a solid leader and a teacher who gets the entire student body excited about his projects. Mark's work in the classroom, and his care and compassion for his students and his profession make him the perfect choice for the 2010 Excellence in Education Award.

"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.

Now in its 11th year, the Excellence in Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state who, like Mark Erickson, 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 will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and his school will receive 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 will also receive a $400 gift card from STAPLES.

Runners-up will also be honored at the Excellence in Education banquet. 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 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, courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

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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!