The Iowa Association for Middle Level Education

2001 R. Paul Brimm Award Winner

Sandra Smit

The Iowa Association for Middle Level Education is proud to name Sandra Smit, Vocal Music Teacher from Berg Middle School, Newton, Iowa, as the 2001 recipient of the R. Paul Brimm Award.

Ms. Smit, a graduate of Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa, received her Masters of Science Degree in Effective Teaching from Drake University in 1997. Her commitment to middle level education is reflected in her attendance at various conferences and workshops including the Nuts and Bolts Symposium of Middle Level Education in Bolder, Colorado. One of her colleagues has this to say about her commitment to middle level, "She chose to teach middle school because that is where her heart is." Regarding her continued participation at workshops and conferences, Sandy returns "...with new ideas and energy for our staff and students…she is a joy to work with and a true asset to middle level education."

A quote from Ms. Smit reflects her commitment to young adolescents, "If we work the middle school concept, which embraces brain based learning and teaching to multiple intelligences with varied learning styles, it will work. Realizing that I am there to serve the students is the bottom line. It is not all about curriculum, or about music or what gimmicks I use – it is all about the individual student's success. My goal is to allow them to experience it." Ms. Smit's selection as the 2001 R. Paul Brimm Award continues the tradition of recognizing educators whose true commitment is to those young adolescents we serve. Congratulations, Sandra.

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