Van Buren Para-Educator Recognized

Karen Skalsky has been recognized with a “Teacher Associate of the Year” award from the Professional Educators of Iowa. Skalsky is a para-educator at Van Buren Elementary School. She works primarily with children in reading and math support, assisting classroom teachers.

Skalsky was nominated by a group of staff persons who submitted letters of recommendation on her behalf for the Teacher Associate of the Year Award. A team of judges selected by Professional Educators of Iowa (PEI) reviewed the nominees and the letters of recommendations then selected her as one of the final recipients. As part of the recognition, Skalsky received a financial stipend. Professional Educators of Iowa (PEI) is a state-wide educational association that provides professional assistance, counsel, insurance, and representation for legislative issues at reasonable rates. Her award was presented by Jim Hawkins, state director of PEI.