Five outstanding educators and the graduating class of 2010 will be honored during the Believers and Achievers Banquet, the Drake University School of Education’s annual Alumni Awards and Senior Recognition Dinner, on Tuesday, Mar. 9.
The event, which is open to the public, will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. in Parents Hall in Olmsted Center, 2875 University Ave., dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by remarks by School of Education Dean Jan McMahill and awards presentations at 7 p.m.
The evening will also honor three outstanding educators:
- Stephaney Jones-Vo, ESL/Diversity Consultant for Heartland Area Education Association. Jones-Vo is also a former high school teacher and school district administrator and is a leader in the field of English as a Second Language Education. A resident of Johnston, IA, Jones-Vo received her bachelors degree from Drake.
- Shannon Johnson, is a classroom teacher for the West Des Moines Community School District. Johnson is also a member of Drake’s Teachers as Partners program in which she mentors future teachers. A resident of Urbandale, Johnson received her bachelors and masters degrees form Drake.
- Twyla Woods, Chief of Staff and Student Affairs for Des Moines Public Schools. Woods’ career with Des Moines Schools has taken her from teacher assistant to teacher, to elementary principal, to Deputy Director of Elementary and Early Childhood Programs, to Executive Director of Human Resources, and now her current position. She as also been an adjunct professor for Drake. A resident of Des Moines, Woods received her bachelors, masters, and specialist degrees from Drake.
- Barbara Parker, Director of The Rehabilitation Program at Maryville University in St. Louis, MO. Parker developed award winning programs for people transitioning from prison to community life and for welfare recipients entering the job market. A resident of Belleville, IL, Parker received her bachelors and masters degrees from Drake.
- Robert Stouffer, Superintendent of Des Moines Christian School. Stouffer is a former teacher, coach, and principal. He has taught Drake Education Leadership courses for the past 14 years and is routinely one of the students’ favorite instructors. Stouffer lives in Urbandale, IA.
The event will also honor members of the school’s graduating class of 2010.
Tickets are $25, and can be reserved by contacting Patti Verlengia at 515-271-4810 or patti.verlengia@drake.edu. Reservations are requested by Feb. 22.