Iowa State Education Association’s Disaster Relief Effort Tops $40,000

(Des Moines)  -- In response to tornadoes and record-setting flooding across Iowa, Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) president, Chris Bern announced that educators from Iowa and across the United States have donated more than $40,000 to the ISEA’s Disaster Relief Effort. 

“The outpouring of support from education professionals, other state education associations, and local associations in Iowa and as far away as Florida and California has been tremendous,” Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) president Chris Bern said today.  

Created in response to the tornado in Parkersburg and later extended to educators in areas hit by flooding, the ISEA contributed $5,000 toward the start of an ongoing fundraising effort aimed to help educators who lost classroom supplies and materials that they paid for out of their own pockets. 

A nationwide survey conducted in 2001 found that U.S. educators spend an average of $589 of their own money annually on supplies and teaching resources for their classrooms.  

“Educators often sacrifice personal needs to pay for classroom supplies and materials and Iowa’s recent disasters have wiped out these personal investments,” Bern said.  “With no official way to reimburse for this type of out-of-pocket loss, we believe it is important to let our members know we are with them. This relief fund will help teachers offset some of their losses.” 

Delegates attending the National Education Association’s national convention in Washington, DC were asked to make contributions to colleagues in Iowa. 

“It was so moving to receive contributions from educators and affiliates around the country who are genuinely concerned for their colleagues here in Iowa.  It’s a great demonstration of everyone’s commitment to kids in the classrooms and I couldn’t be prouder of the effort,” Bern said.

Bern participated in the first task force meeting held on Tuesday, July 29th addressing school needs around the state.

The ISEA Disaster Relief Effort is continuing to accept donations and will distribute them through its local associations.  Contributions can be sent to the ISEA Disaster Relief Effort at 777 Third Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 with more information available at www.isea.org.

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The Iowa State Education Association is a professional association made up of almost 34,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all students.  Great Education.  It’s an Iowa Basic!

Sioux City Superintendent is honored by Iowa's teachers

Sioux City school disrict Superintendent Larry Williams has been honored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) with its prestigious TEAM Award which is presented each year to a school administrator who works to promote collaboration and teamwork among all educators.

"Larry Williams epitomizes the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that the ISEA TEAM Award represents," ISEA President Linda Nelson said. "He respects all staff members and treats them as valued professionals."

Since first coming to Sioux City nine years, ago, Williams has clearly demonstrated the difference between being just a manager and being a true leader. Over the years, his open-door style and commitment to shared decision making has led to a new spirit of trust and cooperation throughout the school district. He has made sure that staff members had a place at the table while -- not after -- critical decisions were made.

Williams was nominated for the honor by the Sioux City Education Association (SCEA) and the Sioux City Education Support Professionals Association (SCESPA).

"Certainly there are times when the Associations disagree with decisions made by the superintendent, but there is never a time when we cannot have an open discussion about how the decisions will impact children and employees," wrote SCEA President Donna Walsh and SCESPA President Leslie Dake in nomination papers.

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The ISEA is a professional association made up of nearly 33,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all students. Great education -- it's an Iowa basic!

Statement by ISEA President Linda Nelson

on Gov. Culver's veto of HF 2645

We are deeply disappointed by Gov. Culver's veto of HF 2645. This legislation would have leveled the playing field for educators and other public employees at the bargaining table. It would have allowed us to negotiate over issues that impact student achievement like class size, preparation time, in-service, and a whole host of other topics that under the current law are deemed "permissive" and off-limits for discussion. While we appreciate the Governor's support for funding public schools and for making teacher salaries competitive, he missed a great opportunity to recognize educators as true professionals and full partners in educational decision making. We are committed to working with Gov. Culver Culver to craft a bill which accomplishes that objective.

Click here to watch a video of Gov. Culver's news conference.

Statement by ISEA President Linda Nelson on HF 2645

This 2008 Iowa Legislature has approved HF 2645, a bill that updates and modernizes the collective bargaining law for teachers and other public employees. Gov. Culver is still considering whether to sign it into law.

Opponents of this bill are throwing around a lot of inflammatory rhetoric about how the changes will be harmful to public education. They've charged that the bill will turn control of the schools over to the union or make it impossible to terminate a teacher. Neither, of course, is true.

It's time for everyone to take a deep breath and consider for a moment how these changes might actually help improve education in Iowa.

Education research is discovering that in addition to low salaries, dissatisfaction with workplace conditions is the main reason why teachers seek other employment opportunities. Yet school districts pay little or no attention to critical working conditions for educators. Teachers aren't able to even discuss these issues at the bargaining table under the current law unless management agrees.

Over the past several years, Iowa has made significant strides toward improving teacher quality. Each of these changes has created a need to re-examine current teacher evaluation and dismissal practices. HF 2645 simply streamlines those procedures and will ultimately save school districts time and money - time and money that is better spent improving teaching and learning.

In short, HF 2645 makes reasonable changes in a law that has remained virtually unchanged for 34 years. It's long overdue. We urge Governor Culver to sign it into law.

Knoxville math teacher to be next ISEA president

Chris Bern will assume new post in June

Chris Bern, a veteran Knoxville High School math teacher, has been elected president of the nearly 33,000-member Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). He was elected last Friday, April 4, by nearly 400 delegates attending the ISEA annual meeting in Ames.

Bern, who has served as ISEA vice president for the past two years, defeated Jean Seeland, an elementary teacher from Waterloo; and Bruce Jensen, a retired elementary teacher from Moulton-Udell. He will replace current ISEA President Linda Nelson who will return to teach at Carter Lake Elementary School in Council Bluffs next fall after serving two, two-year terms.

Bern began his career teaching junior high math in Woodbine. He moved to Knoxville in 1988 where he has taught at the high school, alternative high school, and middle school levels over the years. Bern has also been an Association activist throughout his career -- first as president and chief negotiator in Woodbine and now in Knoxville where he has held virtually every leadership position including two, two-year terms as president.

A member of the ISEA Executive Board since 2002, Bern spent 11 years on the ISEA Resolutions and New Business Committee and served as its chairperson. In addition, he has been a member of the ISEA-PAC Central Committee since 1994 and has been involved in several political campaigns. On the national level, Bern has been a member of the National Education Association (NEA) Resolutions Committee for the past six years and he is a certified trainer for the NEA's program on school safety and anti-harassment issues.

Bern graduated in 1977 from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake with a degree in mathematics. He will take a leave of absence from his teaching duties to serve a two-year term which begins in June.

In other action, the delegates elected Cedar Rapids teacher Tammy Wawro as vice president. She will also begin serving her two-year term in June.

Note to reporters: Photo available by contacting LOppenheim@isea.org

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The ISEA is a professional association made up of nearly 33,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all students. Great Education -- It's an Iowa basic!

Cedar Rapids teacher to serve as vice president of ISEA

Tammy Wawro, a teacher serving as student teaching/mentor coordinator for the Cedar Rapids schools, has been elected vice president of the nearly 33,000-member Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). She was elected last Friday, April 4, by nearly 400 delegates who attended the ISEA's annual meeting in Ames.

Wawro has been involved in a wide array of Association activities throughout her career including serving as vice president and chief negotiator for the Cedar Rapids Education Association. In addition, she has chaired the membership committee, served as a faculty representative, and has been a member of a number of state and national taskforces. Wawro is currently president of the Cedar Wood UniServ Unit.

Nationally, Wawro has been a trainer for the NEA Family School Community Partnerhip, and she's been a presenter for the Center for Collaborative Solutions. She received National Board Certification in 1999.

In addition to being active in the Association, Wawro has also been honored for her professional achievements having earned National Board Certification in 1999 and being named winner of the Mildred Middleton Mentoring Leadership Award in 2006.

Wawro received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1995 and a master's degree in educational technology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2002.

Wawro will begin her two-year term in June.

Note to reporters: Photo available by contacting LOppenheim@isea.org

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The ISEA is a professional association made up of nearly 33,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students.  Great Education.  It's an Iowa Basic!

Sen. Mike Gronstal to be honored for commitment to education
ISEA also honors others for service to students

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal has been named the 2008 Friend of Education by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). He will be honored on Friday morning, April 4, before a group of nearly 500 educators attending the ISEA's annual meeting at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

Gronstal has been a champion for public education and has led efforts to increase funding and expand learning opportunities throughout his more than 30 years of service in the Legislature. He was elected Senate Majority Leader by his fellow Democratic Senators after spearheading their efforts to capture 30 seats in the Iowa Senate in 2006.

One of his first actions as Majority Leader was to pass legislation that made a commitment to increase Iowa teacher pay from 42nd to 25th in the nation. More important, he backed up that commitment with the necessary funding during the 2007 session, and he has guaranteed that additional funding will be appropriated during the 2008 session.

"Mike has worked tirelessly on behalf of Iowa's students and their educators, and we are proud to give him this award," ISEA President Linda Nelson said. "He has demonstrated time and again his commitment to public education and education professionals and his support will help ensure that Iowa can continue to attract and keep top-quality educators at all levels."

Gronstal has been in the Iowa Senate for more than 30 years after serving two years in the Iowa House. He represents Senate District 50, which covers Council Bluffs and Carter Lake. He is a graduate of Council Bluffs' St. Albert High School and Antioch College in Ohio. He also attended Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.

Sen. Gronstal was nominated for the ISEA Friend of Education Award by the Council Bluffs Education Association in January.

In addition to Gronstal, the ISEA will also honor three other individuals this week for their outstanding service to students and public education:

• Floyd Winter, a retired Cedar Falls educator and school administrator who continues to work to expand learning opportunities for students, will receive the Paul Mann Memorial Human Relations Award. This award, which is named in honor of long-time Des Moines teacher and human rights activist Paul Mann, honors an individual or group for exemplary contributions toward the advancement of human and civil rights.
• Jean Swenson, a veteran music teacher from New Hampton, will be honored with the Charles F. Martin Award for Association Leadership -- the top award the Association presents to a member. It is named in honor of Charles F. Martin, the ISEA's president in 1945 who went on to serve as executive director from 1946 to 1961.
• Sheryl Traetow, a paraeducator at Hansen Elementary School in Cedar Falls, will be presented with the Education Support Professional of the year Award for her dedication to supporting teachers, students, and their parents.
  
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  The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 33,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students.  Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!
  

New Hampton educator to receive top state honor

Jean Swenson, a veteran New Hampton music teacher, has been selected to receive the top honor presented by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) -- the Charles F. Martin Award for Association Leadership. She will accept the honor on Friday morning, April 4, before a group of nearly 500 educators attending the ISEA Delegate Assembly at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

The Charles F. Martin Award has been presented annually since 1972 to recognize an ISEA member who has made a significant contribution to the teaching profession through Association involvement. Named in honor of the late Charles F. Martin, who served as ISEA president in 1945 and then as executive director from 1946 to 1961, the award is given to an educator who embodies the link between the Association's mission and the impact it has in the classroom. 

"Jean has the same high expectations and passion for her students as she does for the Association," ISEA President Linda Nelson said. "She has been involved with the Association for 30 years, striving to grow and enhance our education family and holding virtually every leadership position at the local and regional levels," Nelson added. "Her dedication is truly amazing and we are proud to honor her work with this award."

Swenson's professional involvement extends beyond the Association. She successfully completed the rigorous National Board Certification process in 2002 and now serves as a mentor for other teachers who are seeking the prestigious distinction. In addition, Swenson was instrumental in organizing a local chapter of Future Educators of America and currently serves as its advisor. 

 "I would bet there's not a member in her school district who hasn't asked Jean for direction or help with solving a problem," Nelson said. "She is a natural leader and we have all benefited from her work in the Association."

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The ISEA is a professional association made up of nearly 33,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students.  Great Education.  It's an Iowa Basic!

Cedar Falls elementary school paraeducator to receive statewide honor

Hansen Elementary School paraeducator Sheryl Traetow is this year's winner of the Iowa State Education Association's Education Support Professional award. She will be honored on Friday morning, April 4, before a group of nearly 500 educators attending the ISEA Delegate Assembly at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

"We have many outstanding professionals in the field, and Sheryl is a shining example of someone who is deeply committed to her students," said ISEA President Linda Nelson. "Sheryl is one of those unique and gifted professionals who is able to determine a child's strengths and weaknesses, determine the level of support they need, and work with them to be successful -- all while earning their love and respect."
Paraeducators work alongside licensed or certificated educators to support and assist in providing instructional and additional aid to children, youth, and their families and are a critical component in raising student achievement.  As a child-specific paraeducator, Sheryl works one-on-one with an individual student, attending to his or her special needs and ensuring the best educational opportunity possible.  She also works closely with her students' parents and she's created a Web page with links to teaching and learning resources they can use at home.
"On top of her great work for the Association as co-president of her local education association, Sheryl prepared thousands of books for the reading rooms at Hansen by cataloging them into the database, labeling, shelving, and inventorying them," Nelson said. "Sheryl has clearly demonstrated her love and commitment to her students and to the profession and has, time and again, gone above the call of duty in her profession."
The Education Support Professional Award was established to recognize the many contributions school support staff members make to teachers, students, and the education profession.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 33,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students.  Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

Lifelong educator to be honored for championing youth

Floyd Winter, a long-time Cedar Falls educator, has been selected to receive the Paul Mann Memorial Human Relations Award presented by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). He will be honored on Thursday, April 3, before a group of 500 educators attending the ISEA's annual meeting at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

After retiring in 1999 from a long and distinguished career, Winter continues to work to improve opportunities and conditions for children. He is currently the executive community coordinator for Cedar Valley's Promise, a youth initiative that is an offshoot of Colin Powell's America's Promise. It is designed to ensure that at-risk children experience all the fundamental resources they need in order to succeed. In his role, Winter oversees 14 task teams in areas such as early childhood, after-school programs, and substance abuse prevention just to mention a few. 

"Floyd worked in the field of education for more than 40 years so he could be spending his retirement taking fishing trips or spending his afternoons on the links," ISEA President Linda Nelson said. "But he is one of those rare individuals who has dedicated his life to helping our youth. We are pleased to be able to recognize Floyd's many achievements."

Winter is involved in a variety of volunteer activities to provide better educational opportunities for children. At the state level, he has served on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and the Governor's Advisory Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Winter is currently the Early Childhood Education and Care Chair for the Iowa State Empowerment Board.

Winter began his career as a high school social studies teacher and coach in 1958. In 1968, he became principal at Washington High School in Vinton before moving to Cedar Falls in 1973 to serve as the high school principal. From 1978 until his retirement in 1999, Floyd served as director of secondary education. He was nominated for the award by the Cedar Falls Education Association.

The Paul Mann Memorial Human Relations Award honors an individual or group for exemplary contributions toward the advancement of human and civil rights. It is named in memory of Paul Mann, veteran Des Moines teacher and human rights activist who passed away suddenly in September of 2006.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 33,000  educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students.  Great Education.  It's an Iowa Basic!

STATEMENT BY ISEA PRESIDENT LINDA NELSON
ON GOV. CULVER'S THREATENED VETO OF HF 2645

We are extremely disappointed that Gov. Culver has stated his intent to take the precipitous action of vetoing changes in the collective bargaining law. His action, if carried out, is a step backward and once again relegates public employees to second-class citizens at the bargaining table.

We are hopeful that once he's had the opportunity to study HF 2645, he will reach the conclusion that it makes reasonable and necessary changes in a law which has remained unchanged for 34 years while the challenges facing educators and other public employees have increased dramatically.

03/25/08

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 33,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

STATEMENT BY ISEA PRESIDENT LINDA NELSON ON HF 2066

The ISEA supports a one-cent statewide sales tax to replace the current local option tax as long as the use of the tax is expanded to include education programs. We also support the creation of a statewide panel, similar to the Vision Iowa Program, to oversee the distribution of the funds for infrastructure needs to local school districts.

While we certainly understand the importance of having safe and modern school buildings, we are strongly opposed to the current version of HF 2066 being considered because it does not address the need for greater educational opportunities for Iowa students. What's more it's just bad tax policy. That's why we are working to make significant changes in this bill.

A recent Des Moines Register poll indicated that 81 percent of Iowans surveyed want the Legislature to address improving education, yet this legislation does nothing to provide school districts the option of enhancing educational programs once local school building needs are met. It instead provides the opportunity to shift the additional funds into property tax relief under the guise of improving tax equity. Upon closer analysis, it may actually increase the inequities already existing among Iowa school districts. 

Everyone can agree there will come a time when infrastructure needs will be met by many school districts in Iowa. Two-thirds of our districts are experiencing declining enrollment and will have no need for expanding facilities.

Many of our districts, on the other hand, will have the need to expand educational opportunities if we are to meet higher standards and incorporate the rigor and relevance required to provide a 21st century education. Providing universal early childhood education, implementing foreign language instruction at the elementary level, expanding the math and science curriculum, and improving technology are just a few of the needs that come to mind.

Last year in the legislative session, school district administrators and school board members argued a mandate for guidance counselors and nurses was an unfunded mandate they couldn't afford. They also argued a 4 percent allowable growth was not sufficient to improve the quality of education and campaigned for 6 percent. Now, suddenly, they don't see an additional need for money anytime in the future to enhance educational programming. It doesn't make sense to preclude a major source of state revenue from ever being spent on student needs.

One of the greatest inequities we have in Iowa education lies in the opportunities for student learning. Our per-pupil spending is equitable from school district to school district, but the same dollars buy very different programming. Students in our largest districts have twice as many curriculum units available to them as students in our very smallest districts.
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The current legislation is also bad tax policy. It allows the funds to be easily diverted away from meeting building needs to providing property tax relief. This is most likely to happen in districts where bond issues have been easier to pass because of a high taxable valuation per pupil and building needs are current. These same districts also raise more money from PPEL. They will be able to provide property tax relief sooner and at a greater value than less wealthy districts. This will be particularly true in districts with declining enrollment and a lot of property wealth. Property tax rate inequities are likely to increase over time given the provisions in the current legislation. 

We believe that a state sales tax, which hits lower-income Iowans harder than the more affluent, should not under any circumstances be used to reduce property taxes. HF 2066 as it is currently written could easily be turned into a $400 million property tax relief measure. This does nothing to improve education for students. This is bad public tax policy being sold under the guise of what's good for Iowa's students.

The bottom line is if we're going to market this legislation as doing something good for kids, then it had better do more than provide property tax relief. Let's allow the funds to be used to improve educational programming for our students.

02/27/08
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The ISEA is a professional organization made up more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

Iowa teacher salaries finally edging up in the rankings

Iowa's average teaching salary ranking has moved up one notch to 38th in the nation, according to preliminary data from the National Education Association (NEA).

According to the "Rankings & Estimates: Rankings of the States 2006 and Estimates of School Statistics 2007," Iowa's average teacher salary for 2005-06 actually ranked 39th in the nation instead of 40th as was estimated last year. NEA estimates for the 2006-07 school year show salaries slowly edging up, thanks to the $35 million investment made by the 2006 Iowa Legislature.

The data does not reflect the additional $144 million being pumped into salaries this year and next. That appropriation, which was proposed by Gov. Chet Culver and approved by the 2007 Legislature, is designed to bring teacher salaries up to the national median -- or 25th in the nation.

"This is the first evidence that recent legislative action is indeed paying off," said Linda Nelson, president of the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). "But we can't leave the future to chance. If Iowa wants to continue to be able to compete for top-quality educators, then we need to make the appropriation permanent by rolling it into the school finance formula."

As it now stands, the teacher salary money has been set through the 2008-09 school year. After that, money to maintain teacher salaries must be approved each year. But as Iowa educators have learned the hard way, annual appropriations can be easy targets for the budget axe during economic downturns.

Take, for example, the three-phased Excellence in Education Act of 1987 which was also designed to increase teacher salaries and provide money for professional development . The funding for Phases I and II has never been increased to keep up with inflation so the "buying power" of those dollars has been significantly eroded over the past 20 years. What's more, lawmakers chipped away at the professional development funding included in Phase III and then eliminated it entirely.

The $43,130 that an average Iowa teacher earned last year represents a 4.98 percent increase over the previous year. It is still, however, nearly $7,700 below the national average and significantly less than the salaries paid to teachers in neighboring states like Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

In the latest rankings, Iowa teachers jumped ahead of their colleagues in Idaho and New Mexico while Alabama made a large commitment to teacher salaries and jumped ahead of Iowa. Wyoming teacher salaries jumped a whopping 17.19 percent thanks to an effort to increase the minimum salary to $40,000. Iowa's minimum salary in 2006-07 was $25,500.

The following are some additional facts about educator salaries in Iowa.

• An Iowa teacher earned the 2006-07 average teacher salary of $43,130 at age 42 after teaching for 15 years. (Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Basic Education Data Survey)
• Average Iowa teacher salaries vary widely according to school district size -- from $35,464 in districts with enrollments of fewer than 250 students to $47,222 in districts with enrollments of 7,500 or more students. (Iowa Department of Education, Condition of Education Report 2007)
• The average Iowa teaching salary is about $20,000 below the average salary for other Iowa professionals with similar education requirements and job skills. (ISEA Research; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• While Iowa teaching salaries have increased, they have not kept up with inflation. From 1996 to 2006, teachers have actually lost 1.3 percent in purchasing power after inflation. (NEA, Rankings and Estimates, November 2007)
• Salaries of school principals and superintendents have increased at significantly higher rates than teacher salaries. Since 1985-86, superintendent salaries have increased 150.6 percent, to $102,008; and principal salaries increased by 120.3 percent, to $77,813; while teacher salaries increased 103.1 percent, to $44,062 when all extra duty and supplemental pay is factored in. (Iowa Department of Education, Condition of Education Report 2007)

Click here to download the complete state-by-state rankings.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

Iowa community college faculty salary ranking among nation's lowest

Iowa's average community college salary continues its downward spiral in state-by-state rankings. According to data released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average salary for faculty at the two-year schools has dropped two notches -- from 30th to 32nd in the nation.

The latest IPEDS Salary Survey data reveals that Iowa's faculty members earned, on average,  $44,973 in 2005-06, the most recent year for which figures are available. That's $10,407 below the national average and $3,686 below the national median. In 1994, Iowa's community college faculty salary ranked 24th in the nation. (See attached document for complete rankings.)

What's more, our faculty salaries lag far behind several neighboring states including Wisconsin at $64,609; Illinois at $60,270; Minnesota at $57,686; and Missouri at $49,650. And, Iowa faculty are losing economic ground. Since 1994, salaries have actually decreased by $1,700 -- or 4.9 percent -- when inflation is factored in.

"It's embarrassing to be from a state that says it values education but where community college faculty salaries rank in the bottom third in the nation," Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) President Linda Nelson said.

"Our 15 community colleges are key players in creating the well-educated work force Iowa needs to grow and thrive in the new economy," Nelson continued. "But you can't have a quality community college system without quality faculty members. Right now our instructors can cross the Mississippi River and earn up to $20,000 more a year."

In addition, Iowa community college faculty members earn $25,728 less than faculty at four-year institutions -- the third highest disparity in the nation.

The 2007 Iowa Legislature took an important first step toward reversing the trend when it earmarked $2 million -- or about $1,000 per instructor -- to raise faculty salaries. But much more needs to be done. According to ISEA Research estimates, it will take $8 million to bring faculty salaries to 25th in the nation and $24.1 million to reach the national average. On top of that, the ISEA estimates it will take another $1 million to provide professional development opportunities so that community college faculty can remain on the cutting edge.

"The Legislature has stepped up to the plate to make our K-12 teacher salaries competitive. Now it's time to do the same for our dedicated and hard-working community college instructors," Nelson said.

More than 100 faculty members are expected to gather at the Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny tomorrow (November 9) to begin mapping lobbying strategies while sharpening their professional skills at the annual ISEA-sponsored higher education conference. Among the guest speakers scheduled to attend is Dr. Jill Biden, an English professor at the Delaware Technical and Community College. She will deliver the luncheon address. All sessions will be held in Building 7 at the Ankeny campus.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education . . . It's an Iowa Basic!

Des Moines middle school teacher wins statewide honor

Excellence in Education Awards thank teachers who make a difference

Blake Hammond, sixth-grade science teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines, is the 2007 Excellence in Education Award winner. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, and KDSM Fox 17. Hammond was among an elite field of nearly 100 teachers -- all nominated by co-workers, students, and community members because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's school children.

"This award was created to give Iowans an opportunity to recognize and say thank you to teachers who have touched their lives," said Linda Nelson, president of the ISEA. "Each of the nominations was powerful and heartwarming and each had a common theme -- teachers literally change the lives of the students they teach."

Known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm, Hammond's work on behalf of his students extends well beyond the typical classroom and school day. He cares not only about his students but also the community in which they live.

Last year, for example, he spearheaded an effort to create a new computer lab in the Merrill library. He not only helped raise funds, but he set up the entire computer lab himself, then worked with community businesses to secure the donation of library furniture.

Among other projects he's championed:
" A sixth-grade orientation process which gives both students and parents a smooth transition into middle school
" A youth Ambassador program, which helps students plan school pride activities
" "School Store," which helps students and parents purchase discounted school supplies
" A new state-of-the-art fitness center at the school, to combat childhood obesity.

"Blake Hammond is a committed, skilled, and professional educator," wrote Lisa Turner, a Merrill volunteer and parent who nominated him for the honor. "Not only has he been an inspiration to me and my family, but he is also an inspiration to his fellow colleagues and other Merrill parents."

Now in its ninth year, the Excellence In Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state who, like Blake Hammond, go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited from Aug. 22 through Sept. 28, and forms were available on the ISEA Web site as well as at local county Farm Bureau offices.
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Hammond will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and his school will receive another $1,000 from the Iowa Farm Bureau during a gala awards ceremony and banquet on Monday, Oct. 29, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

"Iowa Farm Bureau members support outstanding teachers like Blake Hammond, who give education a good name in this state," said Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. "That's why we are proud to partner with the ISEA to honor teachers like Blake, who put their students first.  It's that kind of dedication and commitment that will give our students a head start in this world and hopefully start on a lifetime journey of learning," said Lang.

Runners up will also be honored at the Excellence in Education banquet. They are: Rhonda Baker, an elementary special education teacher at Jefferson-Scranton who has done wonders with autistic children; Laura Craft, a second-grade teacher at Central Decatur who literally saved the life of one of her students; Duane Hahn, a science teacher at South Hardin High School in Eldora, who has changed the lives of countless students during his 35-year career; and David Lillie, a fifth-grade teacher at Irving Elementary School in Sioux City who makes a special effort to reach out to students in need. They will each receive a gift card courtesy of Staples.

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

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education . . . It's an Iowa Basic!

Sioux City elementary school teacher is honored

Excellence in Education Awards thank teachers who make a difference

David Lillie, a fifth-grade teacher at Irving Elementary School in Sioux City, has been named as one of four runners up for the 2007 Excellence in Education Award. The program is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, and KDSM Fox 17. He was selected from among nearly 100 nominations submitted by co-workers, students and community members because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's school children.

"This award was created to give Iowans an opportunity to recognize and say thank you to teachers who have touched their lives," said Linda Nelson, president of the ISEA. "Each of the nominations was powerful and heartwarming and each had a common theme -- teachers literally change the lives of the students they teach."

A beloved teacher at the school for some 17 years, Lillie is known for his ability to connect with students -- particularly those who are in need. He was nominated for the honor by Jamie Myers whose five children have all been Lillie's students.

Among the many ways he makes a difference for students and fellow teachers, Lillie:

" Works closely with the vocal music teacher to collaborate on a musical or play.
" Scours thrift shops to purchase clothing, at his own expense, for students whose families cannot afford to buy them.
" Willingly shares techniques and strategies for teaching reading with fellow teachers.
" Writes grants to buy instruments for any fifth-grade student whose family can't afford them and works with Irving's business partner, Security National Bank, to encourage employees to donate used instruments.
" Helps organize events at the school including a carnival and bingo night.

Now in its ninth year, the Excellence In Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state who go the extra mile and make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited from Aug. 22 through Sept. 28, and forms were available on the ISEA Web site as well as at local county Farm Bureau offices.

"Iowa Farm Bureau members support outstanding teachers like David Lillie, who give education a good name in this state," said Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. "That's why we are proud to partner with the ISEA to honor teachers like David, who put their students first. It's that kind of dedication and commitment that will give our students a head start in this world and hopefully start on a lifetime journey of learning," said Lang.

Lillie will receive his award along with a gift card courtesy of Staples during a gala awards ceremony and banquet on Monday, Oct. 29, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

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

This year's Excellence in Education Award winner is Blake Hammond, a sixth-grade science teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

South Hardin High School teacher is honored

Excellence in Education Awards thank teachers who make a difference

Duane Hahn, long-time science and computer teacher at South Hardin High School, has been named as one of four runners up for the 2007 Excellence in Education Award sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, and KDSM Fox 17. He was selected from among nearly 100 nominations submitted by co-workers, students, and community members because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's school children.

"This award was created to give Iowans an opportunity to recognize and say thank you to teachers who have touched their lives," said Linda Nelson, president of the ISEA. "Each of the nominations was powerful and heartwarming and each had a common theme -- teachers literally change the lives of the students they teach."

Hahn was nominated for the honor by a number of students and colleagues whose stories reveal a dedicated teacher who routinely goes above and beyond in order to help all students succeed. Always among the first to arrive and school and the last to leave, Hahn won't give up on anyone whether it means taking a late-night phone call or tutoring a student one-on-one.

"When a student gets frustrated and wants to quit, he always says, 'I promise I won't give up on you if you don't give up on me,' and he finds a way for everyone to understand," explained student Bailey Bleeker. "Not only does he teach his students about science but he also gives advice on college and what's ahead in the real world. He deeply cares about his students."

"Duane is a dedicated teacher," said fellow teacher Annette Baker. "He has a passion for his subject matter and that is evident in every lesson. Even today, after 36 years of teaching, his joy is apparent in every lesson."

Hahn is recognized as a role model among his peers and he has taken it upon himself to mentor new teachers -- long before the state of Iowa required a mentoring program.

"His ready smile and constant encouragement -- not just to the new professionals he has mentored but also to the entire student body and staff -- will be greatly missed when he retires next May," noted colleague Sherri Granzow.

Now in its ninth year, the Excellence In Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state who go the extra mile and make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited from Aug. 22 through Sept. 28, and forms were available on the ISEA Web site as well as at local county Farm Bureau offices.

"Iowa Farm Bureau members support outstanding teachers like Duane Hahn, who give education a good name in this state," said Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. "That's why we are proud to partner with the ISEA to honor teachers like Duane, who put their students first.  It's that kind of dedication and commitment that will give our students a head start in this world and hopefully start on a lifetime journey of learning," said Lang.

Hahn will receive his award along with a gift card courtesy of Staples during a gala awards ceremony and banquet on Monday, Oct. 29, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

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

This year's Excellence in Education Award winner is Blake Hammond, a sixth-grade science teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

Central-Decatur elementary teacher is honored

Excellence in Education Awards thank teachers who make a difference

Laura Craft, a veteran teacher at South Elementary School in Leon, has been named as one of four runners up for the 2007 Excellence in Education Award sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, and KDSM Fox 17. She was selected from among nearly 100 nominations submitted by co-workers, students and community members because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's school children.

"This award was created to give Iowans an opportunity to recognize and say thank you to teachers who have touched their lives," said Linda Nelson, president of the ISEA. "Each of the nominations was powerful and heartwarming and each had a common theme -- teachers literally change the lives of the students they teach."

She was nominated for the honor by Tonya Lindsey whose daughter, Mary, flourished in Craft's second-grade classroom last year. But Craft will be long remembered by the Lindsey family for more than just her teaching excellence.

It was a typical school day in December of 2006 and Craft was writing on the marker board with her back to the class. That's when a piece of hard candy Mary was eating became lodged in her throat. Choking and barely able to breathe Mary stood up from her desk just as Craft turned around. Seeing that Mary was in distress, Craft immediately sprang into action and began administering the Heimlich maneuver. It took several compressions, but the candy was soon dislodged.

"The care given to Mary by Mrs. Craft following the incident was remarkable," Lindsey wrote in her nomination paper. "She stayed by Mary's side the rest of the day just to make sure she was doing okay."

Lindsey, who herself was one of Craft's students, says that a thousand-word essay cannot begin to explain how much of a positive influence Craft has had on her family.

"She was the teacher everybody wanted 25 years ago and she still is today," Lindsey said. "It is an honor and a blessing that we have been the second generation fortunate enough to be touched by her."

Now in its ninth year, the Excellence In Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state who go the extra mile and make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited from Aug. 22 through Sept. 28, and forms were available on the ISEA Web site as well as at local county Farm Bureau offices.

"Iowa Farm Bureau members support outstanding teachers like Laura Craft, who give education a good name in this state," said Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. "That's why we are proud to partner with the ISEA to honor teachers like Laura, who put their students first.  It's that kind of dedication and commitment that will give our students a head start in this world and hopefully start on a lifetime journey of learning," said Lang.

Craft will receive her award along with a gift card courtesy of Staples during a gala awards ceremony and banquet on Monday, Oct. 29, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

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

This year's Excellence in Education Award winner is Blake Hammond, a sixth-grade science teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

Jefferson-Scranton elementary teacher is honored

Excellence in Education Awards thank teachers who make a difference

Rhonda Baker, a special education teacher at Scranton Elementary School, has been named as one of four runners up for the 2007 Excellence in Education Award sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, and KDSM Fox 17. She was selected from among nearly 100 nominations submitted by co-workers, students and community members because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's school children.

"This award was created to give Iowans an opportunity to recognize and say thank you to teachers who have touched their lives," said Linda Nelson, president of the ISEA. "Each of the nominations was powerful and heartwarming and each had a common theme -- teachers literally change the lives of the students they teach."

Baker was nominated for the honor by Sonya Wills whose three autistic children have benefited from her caring and expertise.

"Rhonda is the type of teacher most parents only dream of," Wills wrote in her nomination paper.

Wills' first experience came when Baker first began working with her twin sons in second grade. "Rhonda spent much time researching and studying different techniques of support services and teaching styles to modify both of their curriculums to meet their individual needs. At the fifth-grade level, Rhonda still has both of my twins in her special education classroom and they have blossomed."

But, according to Wills, the true test of Baker's teaching excellence came last year when she was called in to work with Wills' youngest son, Kevin, who has been diagnosed with autism and behavior disorders. Baker worked closely with Kevin's teacher to create an environment in which he could succeed. As a result, Kevin blossomed, his regression reversed, and be began to learn again.

This year, Kevin is in Baker's classroom and his mother reports that he has already shown remarkable progress.

"Rhonda just has this 'knack' and is creative in implementing methods. Kevin's behaviors are minimized in her presence," she said.

Now in its ninth year, the Excellence In Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state who go the extra mile and make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited from Aug. 22 through Sept. 28, and forms were available on the ISEA Web site as well as at local county Farm Bureau offices.

"Iowa Farm Bureau members support outstanding teachers like Rhonda Baker, who give education a good name in this state," said Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. "That's why we are proud to partner with the ISEA to honor teachers like Rhonda, who put their students first. It's that kind of dedication and commitment that will give our students a head start in this world and hopefully start on a lifetime journey of learning," said Lang.

Baker will receive her award along with a gift card courtesy of Staples during a gala awards ceremony and banquet on Monday, Oct. 29, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

All of the nominees along with the individual or family who nominated them have been invited to attend the awards banquet at no charge. The Iowa Farm Bureau will also provide free tours of the Iowa Hall of Pride, which is located within the Hy-Vee Hall.

This year's Excellence in Education Award winner is Blake Hammond, a sixth-grade science teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

Advocacy groups urge Iowa's congressional delegation to override threatened veto

Thousands of children will be denied health insurance and left behind

DES MOINES, Iowa - In the face of a threatened veto, Congress has an opportunity in the coming days to keep its commitment to children's health insurance, for thousands in Iowa and millions nationally.

"What's getting lost in this high-stakes game of chicken is that real kids could lose health care," said Charles Bruner, executive director of the Child & Family Policy Center.

"By conservative estimates, 1 in 11 Iowans go without insurance," Bruner said. "Among children the estimates vary, but the latest Census data indicate the number is around 44,000 Iowa children without insurance."

"President Bush's veto threat is an insult to Iowa's children and their parents." Said Jan Reinicke, Iowa State Education Association executive director.

Bruner and Reinicke noted their appreciation for Congressmen Latham, Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack voting for the SCHIP package Tuesday evening.  The concern turns to the override vote in the House and the possibility House members of President Bush's Republican Party will fall in line with the President and not vote for the veto override.

"The question is, will Congressmen Tom Latham and Steve King work for thousands of Iowa's kids and vote to override the President's veto or will they stand with President Bush and prevent Iowa children from receiving necessary health care coverage?" Reinicke said. 

About 37,000 Iowa kids currently receive health insurance due to funding from the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP, a joint federal-state initiative to provide coverage to children in families who have too much income to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford quality coverage independently or through employment. SCHIP funds Iowa's "Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa," or hawk-i, program.

"SCHIP and Medicaid have done a good job of reducing uninsurance among Iowa kids to that 44,000, but obviously we have a ways to go," Bruner said. "The agreement reached in Congress is a reasonable bipartisan compromise, and would reach about 4 million more kids. Something of that scale - about $35 billion over five years - is what's necessary to keep making progress."
- more-
"The issue is priorities," Reinicke said.  "President Bush has spent half a trillion dollars in Iraq and says that $35 billion for children's health insurance is too expensive.  For the amount of money President Bush spends in Iraq in one week, eight hundred thousand children could receive health care across the country and the 44,000 children in Iowa who desperately need health care coverage might have an opportunity to receive needed care.  The needs of our children and priorities at home like education as well as health care have been shortchanged for far too long. As the President who promised to 'leave no child behind,' President Bush should know that in order for education to make a difference in the life of a child, that child has to be healthy enough to show up for school and pay attention."

Bruner and Reinicke credited Sen. Charles Grassley and Gov. Chet Culver of Iowa for their work to encourage the current agreement.

"This truly is a bipartisan issue," Bruner said. "We've seen that since the program's inception 10 years ago. And that's important in Iowa, because without new legislation with new resources for SCHIP, Iowa will, at best, continue to have shortfalls in funding for this program. Just continuing the program as-is will not allow Iowa to keep pace with the health-care needs of those SCHIP and hawk-I are now reaching."

The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service this month predicted Iowa and 12 other states would face immediate shortfalls in funding Oct. 1 (next Monday) without a new agreement. The report notes Iowa would have no leftover funds from the past two fiscal years, as some states do, and would be short $69 million.

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The Iowa State Education Association is a professional association made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

The Child and Family Policy Center (CFPC) was established in 1989 by former Iowa legislator Charles Bruner to better link research and policy on issues vital to children and families and to advocate for evidenced-based strategies to improve child outcomes.

Young Iowa artists motivate each other to learn
Teachers use student-designed stickers to reward great work

Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) members across the state are using student-designed stickers to celebrate their students’ achievements, thanks to the annual “Design-a-Decal” competition sponsored by the ISEA. Winning stickers land on student papers all across the state.

Now in its 22nd year, the popular Design-a-Decal program helps give statewide recognition to budding art students while providing classroom teachers with a fun way to give positive feedback to their students.

Students competed in three grade-level categories: elementary (K-5); junior high/middle school (6-8); and high school (9-12). The 24 winning designs are printed in full color on sheets of one-inch square stickers. Each design is featured twice. The ISEA’s more than 31,000 K-12 members have received one free sheet; they can order additional quantities at cost (20 cents each) by contacting the ISEA Communications office (515-471-8000 or 800-445-9358) or by e-mailing to cswanson@isea.org.

Students love to get these colorful stickers,” said ISEA President Linda Nelson. “It is an easy way to encourage students to work hard. Children carry these home on their papers to show their parents what they are accomplishing at school.”

The students who created the designs used on the decal sheets receive two plaques from the ISEA — one which they can keep and one which can be displayed at their school.

Click here to download a listing with names of the schools, supervising art teacher, and student(s) whose designs were selected for use on the decals.

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The ISEA is a private, professional organization made up of nearly 32,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It’s An Iowa Basic.

Iowa moves up in ACT composite score rankings
Results demonstrate that Iowa education is on the right track

Iowa's students are tied for second place in state-by-state rankings for ACT scores. Iowa's average composite score of 22.3 is up 0.2 percentage points from a year ago and our ranking has improved from third place.

The following statement can be attributed to Linda Nelson, president of the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA).

"Iowa's latest ACT scores prove once again that the educational improvements we've put in place are paying off. But we're not content to rest on our laurels. Iowa's teachers pledge to continue focusing on the things that really make a difference for student achievement. And, thanks to the $20 million investment Gov. Culver and the Iowa Legislature made in professional development, we will continue to find new ways to help our students succeed."

Davenport teacher to represent Iowa on national board

Long-time Davenport teacher Kathy Williams has been elected to represent Iowa educators on the Board of Directors of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association (NEA). She was elected on April 13 by nearly 400 delegates who attended the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) annual meeting in Ames.

Williams, who teaches sixth grade reading and language arts at Wood Intermediate School, has been an advocate for children and public education throughout her 33-year career. In addition to holding a wide variety of leadership positions in the Davenport Education Association and the Great River regional ISEA unit, she has also been involved in a number of school district committees and professional activities over the years.

At the state level, Williams has served on the ISEA Executive Board and she is currently chair of the ISEA Multicultural Committee. Among her many activities at the national level, Williams is a member of the NEA Resolutions Committee.

Williams received her bachelor's degree from Northwestern Illinois University and her master’s degree from Western Illinois University. She will begin her three-year term on the NEA Board in September.

NOTE: Photo available by contacting LOppenheim@isea.org

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The ISEA is a professional association made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all students. Great Education -- It’s an Iowa basic!

Education Department director is named ISEA Friend of Education

Others also honored for their contributions to education

Judy Jeffrey, director of the Iowa Department of Education, has been honored with the prestigious Friend of Education Award presented by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). ISEA President Linda Nelson surprised Jeffrey with the award following her address to some 500 educators gathered in Ames for the Association’s annual meeting.

“Iowa’s educators and students have no bigger champion than Judy Jeffrey,” Nelson said. “While the relationship between education departments and the Association is often adversarial in other states, Judy actively seeks our feedback and ideas on a wide variety of issues. She knows that schools can only succeed when the contributions of educators are recognized and respected.”

Jeffrey’s pragmatic, problem-solving approach to implementing the controversial No Child Left Behind law has helped Iowa avoid many of the problems experienced in other states. In addition, she’s advocated for changes in the law which will help bring about real accountability such as a growth model for student programs rather than the flawed proficiency standards now called for.

“As our state’s chief school officer, Judy Jeffrey is a powerful role model for a profession which is 75 percent female,” Nelson added.

In addition to honoring Jeffrey, the ISEA also presented four other major awards:

• Mary Jane Sullivan, a sixth-grade teacher at North Mahaska, was the second recipient for her years of service to education through Association involvement at all levels. The award, which is named after a former ISEA president who went on to become the Association’s executive director in 1946, is the highest honor bestowed on a member.

• In an unprecedented move, the ISEA presented a second Charles F. Martin Award for Association Leadership posthumously to Paul Mann, a long-time Des Moines Central Campus teacher and social activist who died suddenly last year. In addition, the ISEA re-named its Human Relations Award in his honor.

• Mireya Mendoza, an involved parent, active school volunteer, and advocate for the Latino community in Iowa City, was named winner of the Paul Mann Memorial Human Relations Award. Her work as a translator has helped increase parental involvement despite the language barrier.

• Toni Graham, a K-8 school secretary in Shenandoah was presented with the Education Support Professional award for her significant service to children and public education. She also provides valuable technical support and assistance to the district’s teachers while still finding time to be active in the Association.

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The Iowa State Education Association is a professional association made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

Iowa City woman to receive prestigious statewide honor

An involved parent, active school volunteer, and advocate for the Latino community, Mireya Mendoza has been selected as this year’s winner of the Paul Mann Memorial Human Relations Award presented by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). She will be honored on Thursday, April 12, before a group of 500 educators attending the ISEA Delegate Assembly at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

“We are so pleased to be able to honor Mireya for her significant accomplishments,” said ISEA President Linda Nelson. “Thanks to her hard work and dedication, our state is a better place.”

Mendoza has become an integral part of Hills Elementary School in the Iowa City School District. With a rapidly growing Latino population and no one on the staff who speaks Spanish, Mendoza regularly devotes her time to translate conversations, memos, and newsletters. When a concern arises, fellow parents and teachers alike feel comfortable contacting Mendoza at her home knowing that she will remain non-judgmental and that she will keep sensitive information confidential.

“Because Latino parents trust Mendoza, they trust Hills Elementary School,” Nelson explained. “This has helped educators develop positive relationships with families and has led to greater parental involvement despite the language barrier.”

Nelson added that Mendoza is tireless in her contributions. She assists daily as needs arise -- whether it is helping a family enroll their child, stopping to pick up a student’s medication, or explaining a discipline issue.

The ISEA presents the Human Relations Award annually to honor an individual or group for extraordinary commitment to advancing human and civil rights. The Award has been re-named in honor of Paul Mann, a long-time teacher, Association leader, and social activist who passed away suddenly last year.

Mendoza was nominated for the award by the Iowa City Education Association.

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The Iowa State Education Association is a professional association made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

North Mahaska elementary teacher to receive top leadership award

Mary Jane Sullivan, a sixth-grade teacher at North Mahaska, has been selected to receive the top honor presented by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) -- the Charles F. Martin Leadership Award.

The Martin Award, which is named after a former ISEA president who went on to become the Association’s executive director in 1946, will be presented to Sullivan on Friday morning, April 13, before 500 educators who will be attending the annual ISEA Delegate Assembly at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. It is the highest honor the ISEA bestows on a member to recognize exemplary educational leadership and Association involvement.

“Mary Jane epitomizes Iowa’s hard working and dedicated teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty not only for their students but for their profession as well,” said ISEA President Linda Nelson.

Sullivan Sullivan has been actively involved in the Association since she was a student member at Mankato State University 39 years ago. She began her teaching career in Keokuk in 1970 -- just one year after the historic teacher strike there -- so she learned firsthand from her colleagues all about the importance of leadership and advocacy.

Over the years, she has held a wide variety of leadership positions at the local level, including serving as president, vice president, member of the negotiations team, and chairing the membership and grievance committees. On top of that, she’s been active on boards and committees at the regional and state levels as well as a frequent presenter at Association conferences. Sullivan is currently a member of the ISEA Building a Better Teaching and Learning Environment Committee.

Sullivan was nominated for the honor by the Oskaloosa Education Association.

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The Iowa State Education Association is a professional association made up of more than 32,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving quality public education for all students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

Teacher salaries still among the lowest in the nation

Revised figures show last year’s ranking was worse than originally thought

Newly revised data from the National Education Association (NEA) reveals that the average Iowa teacher salary ranking for 2004-05 was lower than originally thought, but the same data also shows that the downward spiral may be ending.

According to the “Rankings & Estimates: Rankings of the States 2005 and Estimates of School Statistics 2006 ,” Iowa’s average teacher salary actually ranked 42nd in the nation instead of 41st as estimated last year. Preliminary figures for the 2005-06 school year, however, show that teacher salaries have moved up two notches to 40th in the nation. The $40,877 that an average Iowa teacher earned last year is still more than $8,200 less than the national average and significantly less than the salaries paid to teachers in neighboring states like Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

“Besides parents, no one has a greater impact on our children than their teachers,” said Linda Nelson, president of the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). “Yet our teachers can cross the Mississippi River and earn nearly $17,000 a year more in Illinois than they do here.”

Nelson added that while Iowa has taken a great first step toward making teaching salaries competitive, “We clearly need to do more if we are going to be able to attract or keep the type of caring and hard-working teachers who have made our public schools so great.”

Nelson credited the roughly $20 million salary appropriation approved in 2005 and lower-than-expected health insurance premium costs for the slight boost in the salary rankings for the 2005-06 school year. The $35 million earmarked for salary increases by the 2006 Iowa Legislature is not reflected in the latest salary figure.

The three-year, $210 million plan approved by the Legislature last year translates into an average increase of about $900 per teacher each year. According to ISEA Research, however, it would take an additional investment of about $1,500 per Iowa teacher over the next three years to bring salaries up to 25th in the nation. That’s still below the national average, but it would make a significant difference in Iowa’s ability to recruit and retain top-quality teachers, Nelson explained.

The following are some additional facts about educator salaries in Iowa.

• An Iowa teacher earns the average teacher salary of $40,877 at age 42 after teaching for 15 years. (Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Basic Education Data Survey)

• Average Iowa teacher salaries vary widely according to school district size -- from $33,797 in districts with enrollments of fewer than 250 students to $45,508 in districts with enrollments of 7,500 or more students. (Iowa Department of Education, Condition of Education Report 2006)

• The average Iowa teaching salary is about $20,000 below the average salary for other Iowa professionals with similar education requirements and job skills. (ISEA Research; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

• While Iowa teaching salaries have increased, they have not kept up with inflation. From 1970 to 2004, teachers have actually lost 2 percent in purchasing power after inflation. (ISEA Research)

• Salaries of school principals and superintendents have increased at significantly higher rates than teacher salaries. Since 1985-86, superintendent salaries increased 141.3 percent, to $98,213 and principal salaries increased about 111.4 percent, to $74,666 while teacher salaries increased 93.6 percent, to $41,996 when all extra duty and supplemental pay is factored in. (Iowa Department of Education, Condition of Education Report 2006)

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic!

Cedar Rapids educator wins statewide honor

Excellence in Education Awards thank teachers who make a difference

Dr Roxann Dittmer, a long-time educator in the Cedar Rapids area, has been selected to receive the 2006 Excellence in Education Award sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, and KDSM Fox 17. She was selected from among nearly 100 nominations submitted by persons honoring teachers who have made a difference in their lives or in the lives of their child.

“This award was created to give Iowans an opportunity to recognize and say thank you to teachers who have touched their lives," said Linda Nelson, president of the ISEA. "Each of the nominations was powerful and heartwarming and each had a common theme -- teachers literally change the lives of the students they teach.”

Many of today’s students face a variety of problems and challenges that were virtually unheard of a generation ago. That’s why teachers often find themselves tending to their students’ personal as well as academic needs. Dittmer encountered such a child more than eight years ago when she taught second grade at Taylor Elementary School.

Dittmer reached out to the troubled girl during a particularly difficult time in her life; and over the years, the two have developed and maintained a close personal relationship. Now the girl -- RaeAnne Mason -- is a happy and healthy teenager who is thriving at Kennedy High School.

“Roxann’s help is something I will treasure for the rest of my life,” RaeAnne wrote in her nomination paper. “She has impacted my life so much. She is my hero and my angel . . . . Dr. Dittmer is my best friend and being able to have her in my life is something not a lot of children have.”

Dittmer is currently an early childhood special education teacher. She serves children at Linn County Child Development Center, a community-based preschool. In addition to teaming with the preschool teacher to provide learning opportunities, Dittmer also is the teacher for the program which focuses on students with significant social and emotional needs.

Now in its eighth year, The Excellence In Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state who, like Roxann Dittmer, go the extra mile and make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited from Aug. 22 through Sept. 29, and forms were available on the ISEA Web site as well as at local county Farm Bureau offices.

Dittmer will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and her program will receive another $1,000 from the Iowa Farm Bureau during a gala awards ceremony and banquet on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

“Iowa Farm Bureau believes in the crucial role of a good education for our children and the good educators who lead, create and inspire all areas of learning,” said Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. “That's why we award scholarships to graduating seniors, help fund FFA chapters and even provide $90,000 in funding for classroom supplies. We are happy to partner with the ISEA to honor amazing teachers such as Roxann Dittmer who truly embody the Excellence in Education Award.”

Four finalists will also be honored. They are: Dawn Haacke, an elementary teacher at North Central; Randy Naber, an elementary teacher in Muscatine; Marisa Van Dorn, a Spanish teacher at West High School in Waterloo; and Della Weems, a high school English teacher at Adel-De Soto-Minburn. The finalists and the winner will also receive gift cards courtesy of Staples.

All of the nominees along with the individual or family who nominated them have been invited to attend the awards banquet at no charge. The Iowa Farm Bureau will also provide free tours of the Iowa Hall of Pride, which is located within the Hy-Vee Hall.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 32,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education . . . It's an Iowa Basic!

• ISEA President Chris Bern (pdf)
• Chris Bern photo (jpg)
• ISEA Executive Director Jan Reinicke (pdf)
• Jan Reinicke photo (jpg)
• ISEA Vice President Tammy Wawro (pdf)
• Tammy Wawro photo (jpg)