NEWS RELEASE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN
SHIRLEY SADLER, PRESIDENT

 National Federation of Republican Women
Presents Education Award to Kansas Teacher

Minnesota Governor Pawlenty Makes Presentation
 

ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) presented the fifth biennial My Favorite Teacher Award to a Kansas elementary school teacher and former army pilot at the organization’s 35th biennial convention in Orlando, Fla.

During an awards luncheon honoring the five national finalists on Sept. 12, Susan Jordan of Salina, Kan., was announced the national winner. The award was presented by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who also served as keynote speaker of the luncheon.

Jordan, who has 19 years of teaching experience, is a second grade teacher at Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School. She also has a 30-year background as an aviation officer in the Army National Guard and most recently served as a pilot in Afghanistan in 2003 and 2004.

In addition to teaching her students how to serve by example, Jordan has encouraged them to make a difference in their communities and across the globe by developing Project Kid to Kid. She also established Project PRIDE to promote a schoolwide learning community with an emphasis on citizenship, life skills and the celebration of student achievement.

“It is her dedication to this country, at the local, state and national level, coupled with her global perspective and experiences that separates Susan Jordan from the masses,” wrote Robert W. Winter, superintendent of Salina Public Schools, in a recommendation letter.

Jordan was nominated for the award by her student, eight-year-old Magdalena Kellogg, who joined her onstage during the awards presentation.

Established in 2001 to honor and recognize excellence in teaching, the My Favorite Teacher Award is a key component of the NFRW’s grassroots education reform program, No Child Left Behind. The award is presented every two years to one current or retired teacher. The application process begins at the local level and includes letters of endorsement and a written essay.

For more information about the NFRW, visit www.nfrw.org.

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