Iowa Teacher of the Year Honored at the State Capitol

Des Moines, Iowa - Jennifer Erbe, 2002 Iowa Teacher of the Year, was honored by the Iowa House of Representatives today for her service to Iowa's children. Erbe is a third grade teacher at Starr Elementary School in Marion.

"Jennifer's commitment to her students is an example for all of us to follow," said State Representative Ro Foege, D-Mt. Vernon. "Jennifer is one reason why Iowans have come to expect excellence in our schools. I'm glad her innovative work in teaching science has not gone unnoticed by this state."

Erbe was honored by Governor Tom Vilsack at an awards ceremony last week in Des Moines. As Iowa's Teacher of the Year, Erbe is granted a one-year sabbatical beginning in July 2002. During that time, she will visit schools and communities as Iowa's Ambassador for Education. She plans to use the time off on efforts aimed at retaining young teachers, creating better science programs for students in kindergarten through third grade, and on improving parent-teacher communication through the internet.

Erbe is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and has been teaching for only seven years. She has received her National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certificate, is a recipient of the Marion Independent School District School Board Salute, the Rockwell-Collins Outstanding Educator Honorable Mention, the Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation Grant, and the US West Teacher Technology Grant.

# # #