Montezuma teacher wins $500 state fair raffle from PEI

      Liesl Roorda, a second grade teacher at Montezuma, was a recipient of a $500 raffle from PEI (Professional Educators of Iowa), that she entered at the Iowa State Fair. Terry Gladfelter, a representative with PEI, right, along with Montezuma Principal Kelly O’Rourke, left, presented the check to Roorda earlier this month.
       “Receiving this donation is an amazing honor and I’m so thankful to PEI for not only the dollars of this gift but for the support they give to teachers and students every day,” said Roorda. “My students were so excited to learn about this and immediately began helping brainstorm uses for it.”
     Ideas included books, learning activities, helping out other classes with something they need and additional items for flexible seating choices in the classroom.
         “They were so thoughtful and came up with wonderful ideas,” said Roorda.
PEI offers legal advice for teachers along with representation and professional development and learning opportunities.
         “Their focus is on educators and keeping the child first and in school,” said Roorda.