The 2019 editions of two state-level awards from the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) have been presented in Dubuque.
From left to right: ISEA President Mike Beranek, Superintendent Stan Rheingans, Executive Director of Human Resources Phil Kramer, and Dubuque Education Association President Tammy Duehr
The association announced that Dubuque Superintendent of Schools Stan Rheingans and Executive Director of Human Resources Phil Kramer are the 2019 recipients of the Iowa State Education Association’s TEAM Award.
Established in 1990, the ISEA’s TEAM award stands for Together, Educators and Administrators Make it Happen. The award honors school administrators who have worked to create collaborative, collegial working environments for staff in school buildings or districts. Any school administrators, current or retired, are eligible for the award.
Rheingans and Kramer were nominated for the award by the Dubuque Education Association’s executive board with words of praise and enthusiasm for their leadership, support and particular detail to a respectful environment for all.
“It is clear that Mr. Rheingans and Mr. Kramer care deeply about the students and education professionals in their care. They work hard to create a collegial work environment which promotes creativity and learning,” said Mike Beranek, President of ISEA. “At a time when respect and appreciation are sometimes lacking, their efforts are an outstanding example of how strong leadership is both effective and rewarding. We applaud their success in making Dubuque schools an inspiring place to work and look forward to many years of student growth and opportunity.”
Otto Krueger
ISEA also announced that Otto Krueger, a student mentor and former member of the Board of the Dubuque Community Schools is a recipient of the Iowa State Education Association’s 2019 Friend of Education Award.
Krueger began mentoring at Prescott Elementary School and was paired with a kindergartner who he helped with reading and other skills. Meeting with the student and his family over the summer, Krueger was able to continue mentoring and helping throughout the next 13 years. Upon graduation, the student will be attending college having grown and thrived with the positive connection and relationship he established with Krueger.
“A good mentoring relationship can make such a huge difference in the lives of our students. The time, energy and commitment that Otto put forth is remarkable and should be honored and celebrated,” said Mike Beranek. “We are so grateful to the many wonderful mentors, like Otto who help positively change the paths of so many young students every day. This is our way to say thank you. We are pleased to be able to honor him with our Friend of Education Award.”
ISEA’s Friend of Education Award honors citizens who give their time and energy, but pays special tribute to one individual or group who has made a significant contribution to education. The award recognizes that education is a total community effort and that we must combine efforts to provide for our students.