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Sun Prairie teacher Janice Mertes was presented with an I CAN Learn® Award for Teaching Excellence at the NEA Foundation’s 13th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in Washington, D.C. in February.
Mertes, a teacher at Sun Prairie High School, was one of 36 nominees nationwide for the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence. That award went to Lynette Wayne, a 1st- and 2nd-grade teacher at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Hastings, Minn.
At the Education Gala, retired NFL football player, literacy champion, author and broadcaster Tiki Barber was presented the prestigious NEA Foundation Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education, presented each year to an individual who demonstrates exemplary public education achievements and a continued commitment to advancing education issues. Barber is a supporter of literacy campaigns, has co-authored four children’s books with his brother, and has partnered with Scholastic Book Clubs to pilot a contest designed to motivate students to read and write. He also serves as a board member for the Children’s Miracle Network and the Fresh Air Fund and is a member of the Leadership Council of the Robin Hood Foundation. In total, more than 50 awards were bestowed upon educators.
“NEA and its 3.2 million members congratulate the gala awardees and organizations for their contributions and the pivotal roles they play in advancing public education issues,” said Reg Weaver, NEA president.
Posted April 9, 2008