IOWA STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
CONTACT: JEAN HESSBURG, 515-471-8025

North English Alternative Program teacher wins statewide honor
Excellence in Education Awards thank teachers who make a difference

Deana Colbert, an Alternative Program teacher at English Valley Community School, is the 2008 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. Colbert was among a top 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 schoolchildren.

"This award is truly about recognizing the educators who work hard on a daily basis and rarely get the recognition they so richly deserve," said Chris Bern, president of the ISEA. "All of the nominations are a testament to the dedication and compassion Iowa educators have for their students. And all the nominations demonstrated how educators go above and beyond the scope of their work and change the lives of the students they teach."

Colbert's dedication to her alternative program students is well-known among her colleagues and her students. With her special organizational skills and boundless patience and guidance, she works hard to teach her students the importance of their education. Her work often keeps them from dropping out; changing lives is a daily occurrence in Colbert's classroom. 

"An alternative program for higher risk students is a tough assignment because these are kids who have had troubled home lives, trouble in school, or emotional issues to sort through." Bern added. These students need extra care, encouragement and more direction than they may be receiving outside the school. Deana has a tough row to hoe and, obviously, has done a tremendous job. We are so proud of Iowa's strong educators and it is a pleasure and an honor to see, up close, the work they do."

Now in its tenth year, the Excellence in Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state that, like Deana Colbert, go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited beginning in August through Sept. 12, and forms were available on the ISEA Web site as well as at local county Farm Bureau offices.

Colbert will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and her school will receive another $1,000 from the Iowa Farm Bureau during an awards ceremony and banquet on Thursday, October 16, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau. She will also receive a $450 gift card from Staples.

"Iowa Farm Bureau members believe education is the cornerstone of success and good teachers are the builders of that foundation.  We are happy to be a part of honoring the excellence, hard work and dedication of a teacher who stands as a role model for students as well as their communities," said Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

Runners-up will also be honored at the Excellence in Education banquet. They are: Michael Fladien, an advanced placement economics teacher at Muscatine High School; Carol Hunchis, a speech pathologist at Area Education Agency 267; Lisa Ludwig, a pre-K teacher at West Dubuque Elementary, Dyersville; and Carolyn Nuss, a second-grade teacher at New Hampton Elementary.  All runners-up will receive a gift card courtesy of Staples.

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

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 34,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education . . . It's an Iowa Basic!