Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/530934
June 2015 isea.org • ISEA Communiqué 4 FIRST-CLASS MEMBERS Out in front Twenty-five Iowa State Education Association members took part in media training through the National Education Association in advance of the September school board races and the 2016 Iowa Caucuses. Media training helps individuals articulate clear and concise messages aimed at promoting public education regardless of the media platform. Those who participated in the program are: Amy DeGroot Hammer, Sioux City; Doug Martin, LeMars; Allison Drahozal, Dubuque; Josh Brown, Altoona; Kevin Ericson, Maxwell; Linda Harms, West Bend, Humboldt; Randy Nabor, Muscatine; Kristi Keast, Mt. Vernon; Candi Patras, Urbandale; Sue Cahill, Marshalltown; Susan Langan, Cedar Falls; Melanie Wirtz, Cedar Falls; Scott Slechta, Fairfield; Linda Reid, Ankeny; Tracey Stevens, Indianola; Yvonne Hogan, Des Moines; Melissa Osborn, Robins; Beth Harmelink, Ames; Mike McDermott, Atlantic; Maggie Mnayer, Waterloo; Jamie Vircks, Muscatine; Samantha Mattingly, Ames; Amanda Raysby, Ames; and Stacie Leeds, Ames. Anderson to tour Peruvian schools The National Education Association named Heather Anderson a 2015 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow. Anderson teaches kindergarten at Walnut Hills Elementary in Waukee. She joins a class of 33 award-winning public school educators who will spend a year building their global competency skills, or the capacity and disposition to understand and act on issues of global significance. "To thrive as global citizens, today's students need to be taught how to investigate the world, recognize perspectives, communicate ideas, and take action," Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation, said in a news release announcing Anderson's selection. "In order to be taught these new global skills, teachers must be supported with comprehensive professional learning focused on authentically integrating these skills into classroom instruction." The international field study in Peru includes visits to schools in and around Lima and Cusco to provide educators with structured opportunities to observe instruction and exchange ideas and best practices with Peruvian teachers and administrators. It also includes opportunities to investigate Peru's economy, history and culture. To deepen understanding about the global economy, Fellows will meet with representatives from a multinational business. Finally, the field- study will include time for Fellows to intimately engage with local communities by participating in a service-learning project. Crosse to Iowa State Johnston Education Association member Nick Crosse was accepted to the Iowa State University summer Research Experience for Teachers. Educators accepted into the program spend seven weeks conducting an independent research program under the mentorship of faculty scientists. The aim of the program is to help teachers gain new insights into science and engineering content, as well as a greater understanding of how interdisciplinary research is performed. Crosse is an industrial technology and Project Lead The Way instructor for the Johnston Community School District. Best, Hart earn top honors AHST Education Association member and elementary school teacher Joy Best was named the Charles E. Larkin Outstanding Elementary teacher during an all-school assembly in Avoca. Best, who teaches fifth grade, was given a $10,000 check for the Charles E. Larkin Family. AHST was given $2,500 as the host school as part of the process. Neola Tri-Center High School teacher Paul Hart was also awarded for his work by the Larkin family. Hart, an instrumental music teacher and member of the Tri-Center Education Association was awarded $5,000. The Larkin award was created in 2008 to recognize teachers "who motivate kids to come to school each day." The award is available to teachers who work within 40 miles of Larkin's hometown of Emerson, Iowa. Skog and Kintner get grant Christine Skog, a kindergarten to fifth grade music educator, and co-applicant, Anne Kintner, of Harlan Community Elementary School in Harlan, Iowa, have received a $5,000 Student Achievement Grant from the NEA Foundation to implement projects focusing on musical composition. Students will learn to create their own music by working with different instruments and sounds. These composition projects will teach students about music and technology, as well as independent thinking, learning, and problem solving skills. Heather Anderson UNEVEN GROWTH The number of children in Dallas County, located just west of Des Moines, grew by 70 percent between 2009 and 2013, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meanwhile, Pocahontas County in northwestern Iowa saw its child population fall by nearly 19.5 percent over the same time period. These two counties are the extremes in this measure, which roughly mirrors overall population trends in the state. Quick STAT Source: US Census Bureau % CHANGE IN CHILDREN FROM 09-13 BY COUNTY 25+ 20 10 5 0 % change in children -5 -10 -20 DALLAS: 70.43% POCAHONTAS: -19.44% First Class Members showcases the good works of Iowa State Education Association members from across Iowa. Secure a grant? Chosen to advise the governor? Organize a backpack drive? There are countless ways our members make their students, their schools and their profession stronger. Share their story at communications@isea.org Sioux City West school counselor and Iowa School Counselor Association President Amy DeGroot Hammer (l-r) Waterloo East High School English teacher Maggie Mnayer and Sue Langan of Cedar Falls pause for a photo in front of the White House during a rainy day in May. The three were part of a group from Iowa, Nevada and New Hampshire who attended spokesperson training sponsored by the National Education Association.