Experiencing Great Things in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools

Following the delivery of breakfast to Grant Wood Elementary on Friday, September 15h, CREA leader Ann Morris volunteered to serve as my guide. Our first stop was at the Cedar Rapids Community Schools Administrative Offices. We got to stop in and say hello to district Executive Director of Human Resources, Ann Feldmann. Ann (pictured at right with me) is a former classroom teacher in Cedar Rapids and had been an association leader. It is always great to reconnect with Ann, because as an administrator she understands the importance of working as partners with the association. We recognize together there is more that we agree on then what we disagree on. Thanks for your continued leadership, Ann!


Our second stop of the morning was at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School. Here we were given the opportunity to observe a great young educator leading instruction. Ian Petersen (at the podium) lead a classroom full of juniors in his U.S. Humanities and Composition class in the study of The Crucible. It was mesmerizing to watch the interaction of the young people with their instructional leader as they discussed the novel in depth. What a thrill to have this captivating educator aboard!

Ann and I next stopped by the bowling alley. Yes, that's right, a bowling alley! Here we met up with students and their teachers from the Transition Center of Cedar Rapids. Pictured (from left to right) are Nancy Rife, Michelle Nuehring, and Kevin Karr--all teachers at the Transition Center. Once the students had all gotten their shoes and began their bowling games, the teachers were able to share with us the strengths of their program. The Transition Center has been in place now for 6 years in Cedar Rapids. Previously students were enrolled in all three Cedar Rapids High Schools and in surrounding school districts. There are 23 students in the program, ranging in ages from 18-21 years old. Along with the three teachers, there are 7 teacher associates a part of the center. Cedar Rapids was the first school district in Iowa to offer such a program. In addition to Cedar Rapids, Marion, Linn-Marr and Mt. Vernon all offer similar programs.

Before meeting other CREA leaders for lunch, Ann and I stopped by the Transition Center of Cedar Rapids at 200 First Avenue NE, Suite 140, in downtown Cedar Rapids to tour their facility. How forward thinking the leaders of the Cedar Rapids schools and their community as a whole are to provide this great opportunity!