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

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!