Winterset on a Beautiful Fall Afternoon

Following a super morning in Van Meter on Thursday, UniServ Director Jim Crotty and I headed to Winterset. Our first stop was at the Elementary building (Pre-K through 4th grade) to hook up with Winterset EA president Sue Stuchel during her lunch time. Sue (pictured at left) a Kindergarten teacher, also serves as South Central UniServ Unit President. Now, that is one busy person! Sue gave us a brief tour of the elementary explaining that they are busting out at the seams! There are six sections of each grade level!

We next connected with Wendy Sawyer (pictured with Jim Crotty). Wendy is a past president of the Winterset EA and serves as the Elementary Student Assistant Coordinator --At Risk Behaviors. We had a terrific visit with Wendy as she walked us to a nearby building where the Early Childhood programs are held. Wendy shared concerns that have come through additional assignments given to teachers at staff development (which take huge amounts of time for not only data collection, but lesson writing, etc.) and no additional time in the day to complete them. As I travel throughout the state I continue to hear how teachers are being "crushed" beneath the added on expectations, being stretched beyond their limits. Believe me, we share your concerns with folks at the Iowa Department of Education as well as with state and federal policy makers.


We next stopped by the Central Administration offices to visit with Winterset Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doyle Scott. Dr. Scott (pictured at left with Jim) has served as superintendent in Winterset now going on 4 years. Director Crotty first became familiar with Dr. Doyle when they both served on the ISEBA Board. Thanks Dr. Doyle for your leadership and being a pro-active problem solver!


Our next stop was at the Winterset Public Library where district personnel (on right) and AEA staff (at left) were leading staff development for first and second year teachers from the district. They were all engaged in CRISS training.

The "good teacher" in me always has to take advantage of being in a community with a special landmark or historic stop. Pictured at left is Iowa born Marion Robert Morrison, aka: John Wayne's birth place. Tours are available daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a nominal fee. You can learn more about John Wayne's birth place by going to: http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org .





Here Jim (on right) and myself (on left) are posed next to cardboard cut-outs of John Wayne in the gift store next to the John Wayne birth place.

Before the school day ended, Director Crotty and I stopped by to see a great educator in action. John Sayre (seated on the left) is a High School Language Arts teacher. We caught the tail end of his last class of the day, Mythology. Students in the class represented all grade levels 9-12. Bright kids, all so engaged. What a treat it was to see John in action!

At the end of the school day, Winterset EA members gathered in the High School Band room to meet and visit with ISEA recommended candidate for the state Senate, Staci Appel. EA members not only enjoyed conversation, but a delicious snack too. Pictured here with John Sayer (on the right) is Jeremy Fitzpatrick a High School Speech and Debate teacher.

Also able to join in the conversation with recommended candidate Staci Appel was Sue Hansen (pictured at left). Sue is the 7th and 8th grade Band teacher. Sue has been a teacher for 30 years, the past ten all in Winterset.

And here (at right) is another "gem" in my great treasurer hunt across Iowa! Alan Feirer, High School Band teacher in Winterset is an old friend that I discovered here in Winterset! Alan had taught in NEIEU years ago and was active in the association. It was fun to "rediscover" this great educator here in Winterset!

Thanks Winterset for the great afternoon! Thanks for your leadership in the classroom and in the association!

Thanks too to UniServ Director Jim Crotty for a great couple of days in your Unit. How lucky we are to have you on Team ISEA!