Michael (Mike) Beranek
Western Hills Elementary
West Des Moines, Iowa

"I will always frame my work around why I chose this career: to better prepare my students for what lies ahead of them and enable them to develop a sense of self-worth, dignity and individuality."

"Under Construction" yellow tape and flashing hazard signs are part of the empty classroom that students discover the first day of school, as they become active participants helping to construct their learning environment for the year. Mike works hard to assure that students become actively engaged in learning by identifying projects and activities they wish to study. As a member of the Design Team from the school district, along with the State Department of Education and various educator groups in the state, Mike is also helping to design and implement a national center for the development of school leaders focussing on the work of Dr. Peter Senge.

"One of the most remarkable things that Mr. Beranek offers to his students and their families is a chance for in-home conferences�. He looks at each student as a gift, waiting to be opened and shared with the world. And when the student walks out of his class at the end of the year, he sees a child ready to take on the world ready to share his knowledge, knowing that he/she will always have a teacher, mentor, advisor and friend in Mr. Beranek."

Other Highlights:

• Project Coordinator with Iowa State University in development of an innovative teacher preparation program he continues to coordinate
• Member of a Cadre Support Group between the school district and University of Northern Iowa to interact with and counsel student teachers
• Conducts parent/student/teacher home conferences
• Coordinates "Kids' Bank"
• Coordinates Student Council
• Iowa Education Association/Hardees Teacher of the Year, 1994
• Active in NEA on a state and national level