Kaufmann, Watson win science teaching award

TRAER — Brenda Kaufmann and Vonna Watson from North Tama Community Schools have been awarded the Iowa Academy of Science Excellence in Science Teaching Award for Elementary Science. The award was presented at the 129th IAS Annual Meeting held at the University of Northern Iowa.

The Iowa Academy of Science awarded the first Excellence in Science Teaching Awards in 1969. Outstanding teachers of all grade levels and areas of science have been recognized for their work and innovations in science education. Nominations are encouraged from administrators, colleagues or a teacher may self-nominate. Selections are made by the ESTA Committee of the Academy. Winners receive a plaque and a $200 award. Nominations are accepted throughout the year and may be submitted at www.scienceiniowa.org/esta-nominations.

MCSD behavioral specialists earn advance training

Nicole Gaughan and Launa Snyder, behavior strategists with the Marshalltown Community School District, received certificates of achievement at the Learning Supports Conference in Des Moines on May 10.

The certificates were in recognition of completion of Advanced Level Training in Functional Behavioral Assessment for challenging behavior from the Center for Disabilities and Development and the Iowa Department of Education. This was a three-year intense apprenticeship with Dr. Sean Casey from the Iowa Department of Education.

The two also presented at the conference along with Julie Hammond from Lenihan Intermediate School on May 9.

In their role with the district, Gaughan and Snyder assist school teams with student behavior challenges.

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