South Hardin High School Teacher Wins Honor

DES MOINES, IA (09/24/2009)(readMedia)-- Annette Baker, an English teacher at South Hardin High School in Eldora, is a 2009 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. Baker was among a top field of over 70 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 demonstrate how educators go above and beyond the scope of their work and change the lives of the students they teach."

In addition to her regular teaching area, Baker has played a vital role in setting up the standards and benchmarks for the school district and has worked hard on the student-at-risk program. She was the first director and teacher of the alternative high school program and has been a school leader in the Model Core Curriculum training. Baker has been involved in the Student Council, the Athletic Boosters, the Music Boosters, and the Competitive Speech program.

"It has been described that Annette's personality is firm and consistent, yet flexible, caring, and open" said Bern. "I can't think of better adjectives to describe a classroom leader than those. Annette is the kind of classroom teacher that no school can be without. She is the glue that holds the educational community together and the leader who helps the kids grow and learn." Bern added. "She epitomizes what this award is all about—making an impact on her 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."

Now in its eleventh year, the 2009 Excellence in Education Award honors the countless educators across the state that, like Annette Baker, go the extra mile to make a difference. Nominations were solicited beginning in August through September 16, and forms were available from the ISEA and at local county Farm Bureau offices.

Baker will receive a gift certificate from STAPLES during an awards ceremony and banquet on Tuesday, October 20, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

The winner of the 2009 Excellence in Education Award is Nancy Kunickis, a Language Arts teacher at Laurens-Marathon Community Middle School in Laurens. Other runners-up are Mike Earll, a Vocational Agriculture teacher at Sibley-Ocheyedan High School in Sibley; Tim Juhl, an Instrumental Music teacher at North Butler High School in Greene; and Sergeant Major Michael Matson, an Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp instructor at Davenport Central High School.

All of the nominees, along with the individuals who nominated them, are invited to attend the awards banquet at no charge. The Iowa Farm Bureau will also provide free tours of the Iowa Hall of Pride, located within the Hy-Vee Hall.

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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!