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IAAE Educator of the Year Award Winners

IAAE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD
 2009 IAAE Newcomer of the Year Award 
Cheryl Olson, from Rockefeller Alternative High School, is this year’s Newcomer of the Year. The Newcomer of the Year Award is presented annually at the state conference to an alternative educator who has less then five years of alternative education experience. The purpose of the award is to recognize Iowa's outstanding teachers who are new to the field of alternative education. This year’s recipient goes out of her way to serve her students. She capitalizes on the big and small opportunities to connect with students on a personal level. Whether it’s bringing goodies for special occasions, organizing pot lucks, or advocating for students, this newcomer is a role model and applies tough love when students need to be brought back on track. In the words of students, she even checks the dates on the milk cartons and drinks the older ones herself and another student related that she will spare the clothes off her back to give a gift to an envious student.
2008 IAAE Newcomer of the Year Award 

Dwight Laidig, School within a School, Grinnell High School, Grinnell, Iowa, provides a safe haven for students who need one.  He works tirelessly to provide the students with all of the support they require.  He does not quit at the end of the school day.  He will open his classroom up before and after school, as well as on nights and weekends, when students want extra help.  He is a great advocate who continues his support of students even after they graduate.  He provides leadership and exemplifies the alternative education philosophy of helping those who need help the most. 

 
 
2007 IAAE Newcomer of the Year Award 

Brian Galusha, Clinton High School, Clinton, Iowa, has been in alternative education for three years and has already been described as a “seasoned” alternative educator. He has made strides to make the ASSIST department within the traditional high school a true alternative choice. Brian has also begun working on his master’s degree and spends time coaching and volunteering with the local ambulance department. He has worked hard to serve the students who are in need of the ASSIST staff.

2005 IAAE Newcomer of the Year Award

Tammy Ryan of the Buchanan County Success Center in Independence, Iowa, is the 2005 IAAE Newcomer of the Year. Tammy is in her second year of teaching in alternative education. Prior to that, she served as a special needs teacher in the same district. She was described by administrators in her district as “a true advocate for kids” and “a student-centered teacher with great rapport with her students.” Her students described her as “a mentor and friend.”

  • By iaae at 02/11/2008 - 00:50