IOWA STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
For release: March 31, 2008
Contact: Lana Oppenheim Schlapkohl, 515-471-8026 or LOppenheim@isea.org

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!