Iowa TOY 2014: Mrs. Schmidt Goes to Washington

On the big screen before giving a speech


Maquoketa's Student Rep

It is an incredible honor to represent Iowa teachers at the National State Teachers of the Year event in Washington, D.C., this week. On Sunday, the Governor's Scholar Recognition Ceremony was held in Des Moines in HyVee Hall. This event is co-sponsored by the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Each school district is invited to send their top students for recognition. Each student filed across the stage for a photo with the Honorable Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds. Each school is then presented with a plaque containing the photo for posting in their building. As the IA TOY, I was honored to give a presentation to the group of 2400. What a great group of people all gathered in one area!

After the ceremony, we flew to Washington, D.C., for a week of learning with the other state Teachers of the Year and the formal announcement of the National Teacher of the Year later this week.

A group of STOYS at the National Portrait Gallery

Monday was an amazing day of learning beginning at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery where we learned to about READING PORTRAITURES. The workshop included specific ways to engage students through examining and analyzing portraits and artwork. When things settle down, will post more specifics on how we can access Smithsonian resources to enhance content area curriculum to engage students. Great opportunities ahead!

Posing in the VP sun room

Our afternoon ended with a terrific message delivered by Dr. Jill Biden in the VP mansion. A great event made even greater as Dr. Biden told of her passion for teaching as an educator in a community college.