Meghan Meyer
Academic Support Teacher
Grant Elementary

"My son looks up to Mrs. Meyer and speaks highly of her on a daily basis. This has motivated him to put forth his best effort in both academics and behavior. Teaching is an extremely demanding profession and teachers have a lot to juggle. Mrs. Meyer keeps the focus on kids. It is evident to me that she genuinely cares about each and every student in her classroom and takes the time to really get to know them. My son knows Mrs. Meyer cares about him and, in turn, his interest in learning has grown exponentially. The root of his newfound passion for learning and love of school is a teacher that cares about the whole child and sees their potential.

All students deserve to have an educator like Mrs. Meyer who recognizes their strengths, sets them up for success, and cares deeply about them."

Kayla Cordova
Academic Support Teacher
Shimek Elementary

"Thoughtful, purposeful, humble, hard-working, dedicated, self-reflective, loving, open-minded, brave, and determined are just a few adjectives I could use to describe Kayla Cordova. I have had the privilege of working with Kayla throughout the last four years and have appreciated every conversation and interaction with her. Her educational philosophy is rooted in what is best for every person that walks through Shimek’s doors, whether she has direct contact with them or not. She celebrates and embraces diversity and is a true champion for culturally responsive teaching.

She is brave when it is time to question or challenge an approach to a situation no matter at a building level or a district level. She is willing to ensure that all things are done with the integrity each of our students deserves. Kayla invests countless personal hours into researching, reading, and listening to podcasts that will push her to improve as a teacher by deepening her understanding of best practices within the classroom. Her students and families adore her and she is in their corner every step of the way. Her kindness and empathy toward her students and families shine through her interactions, and her goals are focused on ensuring each one of her students makes as much growth as possible. Yet, as she celebrates their growth she continues to work hard until they are achieving at or above their grade level benchmarks. Kayla would move mountains to ensure the success of any student and we are so fortunate to call her our colleague."

Devin Redmond
Teacher Librarian
Coralville Central Elementary

Devin always does a fabulous job of making all students and adults feel welcome at her school. She goes above and beyond to make them feel seen, heard, and valued. She always has a warm smile on her face and a welcoming statement.

Being new to the community and school this year, she went above and beyond to make our daughter feel comfortable and peaceful. Even checking in on her and texting me to let me know she was having a great day. She "shines bright" at Coralville Central and my family and I deeply value her!

Dzenana Dizdar
Head Baker
Liberty High

Dzenana has been with the school district for a lot of years and always goes above and beyond in her department to make sure every student and staff member feels special. Dzenana knows what the Superintendent's favorite cookie is and every time they come up on the menu, she makes sure to send a bunch to the administrative office. Dzenana gets cookies ready for more than just the Superintendent. She makes sure to send a variety of cookies for meetings and other events.

Dzenana is a perfectionist in the very best of ways and an expert at what she does. She doesn't let her hands bugging her get in the way of making the perfect desserts for our elementary and high school students. Dzenana is retiring this year and should leave her last year for the ICCSD knowing how much we all truly appreciate every tasty treat she has ever made for us all.