Innovation in Education – 2023 Winners
April 13, 2023 | Events•Local Life•News & Press Releases
The Iowa City Area Business Partnership (Business Partnership) and Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD) are excited to announce the local teachers, students, staff, school groups, and organizations who will be awarded at our annual Innovation in Education awards! This after-school reception and awards ceremony honors the people and programs that model the future of K-12 education in Johnson County, IA.
Join us on April 26th at 6:00pm at The Englert! It is free and open to all who wish to celebrate and support growth and innovation in Johnson County K-12 schools.
IOWA CITY – The Iowa City Area Business Partnership (Business Partnership) and Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD) announced the local teachers, students, staff, school groups, and organizations who will be awarded at their annual Innovation in Education awards. This awards ceremony is on April 26th at 6:00pm at The Englert. It is free and open to all who wish to celebrate and support growth and innovation in Johnson County K-12 schools. More information and event registration are available at www.iowacityarea.com/education-awards
The Innovation in Education awards are part of the Business Partnership and ICAD’s efforts to grow and strengthen Johnson County by supporting a strong, innovative education system that develops our homegrown talent. For over 25 years, they have recognized the efforts of those who model the future of K-12 education in our community through this annual awards ceremony.
Alisa Meggitt (North Central Junior High), Ann Schaefer (Iowa City High School), Daniel Lekin (Liberty High School), Marianne Mcgrane (Liberty High School), and Tracy Elmer (Weber Elementary School) will be awarded the Inspire Award, which is given to teachers who inspire, excite, and influence students to learn through exceptional, unprecedented, or extraordinary programs and/or create an innovative, future-focused classroom.
Dr. Greg Gilbaugh (Heritage Christian School), Melissa Zieglowsky (Alexander Elementary School), and Tunisia May (Liberty High School) will be awarded the Spark Award, which is given to individuals who go above and beyond to create a learning environment where all students have a chance to succeed, and all instructors feel the freedom to innovate.
Reem Kamil Kirja (Iowa City West High) and Ava Graff (Iowa City West High) will be awarded the Student Innovation Award, which recognizes students for their achievements and efforts to go
above and beyond during the 2022-2023 school year. The winners demonstrate a growth mindset, empathy, and a desire to uplift others.
Anne Ehlinger (Willowwind School), Becky Suchomel (Liberty High School), and Colene Feldman (Lone Tree Community School District) will be awarded the Administrative/Support Staff Excellence Award, which recognizes the exemplary service of dedicated administrative assistants or employees who foster a positive learning and supportive environment at their school.
VIVED Learning will be awarded the EdTech Company of the Year Award, which recognizes an Iowa City area-based education technology company that has demonstrated or facilitated classroom innovation, has supported the growth of the Iowa City area as an education technology hub, and has given back to our community.
Tim Sheeley (Solon Middle and High School) will be awarded the STEM Innovator Award, which showcases the creative innovations of a program that facilitates enhanced problem-based teaching and learning.
James Postman (Van Allen Elementary), Matt Hartman (Van Allen Elementary), and Willowwind School will be awarded the Impact Award, which is given to a school group that embraces three core goals: to inspire, innovate, and achieve. Their pursuit of these first three goals culminates in realizing a fourth: IMPACT on teachers, students, and their community.
Doug Lestina (Iowa City Community School District) and Anthony Branch (United Action for Youth SPARK! Program) will be awarded the Innovation in K-12 Mental Health Award, which recognizes a program, group, or leader that addressed the extensive challenge of stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues in K-12 students.
Kaye Lindsley (Willowwind School), Lucie M Mordecai (Abbas International Healing Center), and the Good Shepherd Center will be awarded the Early Childhood Innovation Award, which recognizes outstanding childcare providers and programs for their commitment to building the foundation children need to make the best possible start in life.
The awards are made possible by lead sponsor: Midwest Dental and supporting sponsors: Pearson, GreenState Credit Union, University of Iowa Health Care, Dr. Suzanne Stock – Orthodontist, and University of Iowa College of Education.
