IOWA STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
For release: April 10, 2007
Contact: Lana Oppenheim Schlapkohl, 515-471-8026

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.

# # #

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!