Cindy Cavanagh and Teresa Wyant from Mississippi Bend AEA have been selected for the Innovative Creator Award by Iowa’s Area Education Agencies. The team received the award during a presentation at the AEA Boards of Directors’ Conference on April 5. This is the second year for the awards and it is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate outstanding candidates for their contributions to education and the AEA system.
The Innovative Creator award celebrates innovative and creative thinking and actions to enrich student learning. Cavanagh and Wyant were instrumental in creating the Assistive Technology Team at Mississippi Bend AEA. For over 25 years, they have worked with teachers, students and families to ensure each child has voice and an environment in which to thrive.
“It is with great appreciation that we present Cindy and Teresa with this award,” said Tom Lane, Executive Director of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies. “We also thank you for the creative ways you offered students to stretch their minds in school and engage them in thoughtful, meaning activities.”
The Iowa Legislature established Iowa’s Area Education Agencies in 1974 to be an effective, efficient and economical means of identifying and serving children from birth to age 21 who require special education services. This decision was a result of the federal law mandating a free, appropriate, public education for children with disabilities. Since that time, Iowa’s nine AEAs continue to provide services to every public school district and accredited, nonpublic school in Iowa. While Special Education comprise about 80 percent of the services offered, the mission of Iowa’s AEAs it to improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children.
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