Awards
For more information about grants and awards contact Jared Swanson at jared.swanson@ames.k12.ia.us
APPLICATIONS for 2025 (DUE February 15, 2025)
Lifetime Achievement Award (Application)
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented annually to alternative educators who have made a major contribution to the area of alternative education during their professional career. The award will honor individuals who have spent a minimum of 15 years in education as an alternative education professional. A teacher, counselor, supervisor, administrator, or any alternative educator that has met the above criteria may be nominated. The nominated individual's contribution could include, but is not limited to , any of the following: improved services for students through innovative and creative thinking, advising, and counseling methods, administrative leadership and consistent work that has demonstrated improvements in alternative programming.
Hall of Fame Award (Application)
Eligibility: Outstanding Alternative Educators will be inducted into the Iowa Alternative Education Hall of Fame annually. Inductees must have made a major contribution to the area of alternative education during their professional career, provided leadership, vision and momentum toward excellence in the field of Alternative Education. A teacher, counselor, supervisor, administrator, or any educator that has met the aforementioned criteria may be inducted into the Iowa Association of Alternative School's Hall of Fame. The nominated individual's contribution could include, but is not limited to, any of the following: improved services through innovation, consistent work that has demonstrated improvements in alternative programs, contributing to the body of knowledge through research and/or publication of books, articles and or journals that raises the level of professionalism within the field, refining existing programs to a higher level, or an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community.
Newcomer of the Year (Application)
The Newcomer of the Year is presented annually to an alternative educator who has less than five years of alternative education experience. The award may be presented to a teacher, supervisor, administrator, or counselor who is currently employed in an alternative education setting. This award will honor a person who is enthusiastic about alternative education, promotes a positive atmosphere in the school setting, and is an advocate for students.
Educator of the Year (Application)
The Educator of the Year is presented annually to the alternative educator who is making a significant contribution to alternative education in Iowa. This award will honor one individual each year who is making an outstanding contribution to his/her students, school and community. Any alternative education teacher, supervisor, administrator, or counselor may be nominated.