IOWA STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
For Release: October 16, 2007
Contact: Lana Oppenheim Schlapkohl, 515-471-8026

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!