McElroy Trust Announces Award Program For Teachers

This year the R. J. McElroy Trust will celebrate their 31st year recognizing ten area teachers with the "Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching".

A gold star at the top of a school paper is a powerful symbol to a student. But students are not the only people who can receive a star for a job well done! Nominated teachers will have a chance to receive a $1,000 cash award and a $500 classroom grant. "Our goal is to affirm the importance of the teaching profession in our communities," said Megan McKenzie, McElroy Trust Executive Director. "We achieve this by selecting and recognizing ten outstanding teachers in Black Hawk County."

Anyone familiar with the teacher’s classroom work can nominate a teacher for an award. This includes students, parents, fellow teachers, administrators and staff members, community members, and even teachers who self-nominate. Recipients are recognized at an elaborate awards ceremony in May.

Nominees must be employed as non-administrative staff, hold a current teaching certificate, and be a licensed Pre-K through 12th grade teacher at a school approved by the Iowa Department of Education and located in Black Hawk County, Iowa.

Nomination forms can be found online at Gold Star Teacher Nominations must be submitted by February 20, 2019. Nominated teachers will be notified and have until March 25, 2019 to submit an application.

"We wish to honor teachers who truly make a difference in the lives of their students," said James B. Waterbury, Trustee, R. J. McElroy Trust. "Teachers who instill in their students a love of learning."