Rexwinkel is 2009 Iowa Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year

(Sentinel photo by Beverly Van Buskirk) Lorene Rexwinkel explains to students in her seventh grade sewing class instructions how to sew a straight seam as they prepare for a pillow-making project. She has been named the 2009 Iowa Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year. [Click to enlarge]

Lorene Rexwinkel received the honor at the 2009 Iowa Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (IAFSC) state meeting in Cedar Falls March 27.

Rexwinkel is now eligible for the national consumer and family sciences teacher of the year award for 2010.

"I'm still in awe of receiving the award," said Rexwinkel Monday following her last class of the day.

The award, according to IAFSC awards chairwoman Teresa Nennig, provides recognition for outstanding service to IAFCS.

"Your passion, enthusiasm and professionalism are truly an inspiration to many," Nennig wrote in a letter notifying Rexwinkel of the honor. "You leave a lasting positive impression on all those who meet you. Our profession has definitely advanced because of your efforts."

Rexwinkel is in her 20th year of teaching in the Le Mars Community School District, and her 38th year of teaching. She previously taught at Maurice-Orange City and Remsen St. Mary's, as well as doing substitute teaching.

"I like what I'm doing. These kids are my family," said Rexwinkel who teaches sixth and seventh grade family and consumer science classes, which includes food and nutrition, sewing and clothing.

This is the third year Rexwinkel was nominated for the award, which takes into account not only her teaching record but her professional involvement and community leadership.

Rexwinkel earned her bachelor of science degree from Iowa State University in FCS and her master of arts degree in education from Drake University.

She is a middle school educator at Le Mars Community Schools and is the adult education coordinator for Le Mars Community Schools and Western Iowa Tech in Le Mars, having organized more than 700 classes for adults in the community.

She is also a National Board Certified Teacher in Career and Technical Education and is the recipient of the Helen LeBaron Hilton Alumni Recognition Award in 2004 from Iowa State University.

Rexwinkel is active in a number of professional organizations, including American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences since 1991; Iowa Association of Family and Consumer Sciences since 1991; National Family and Consumer Sciences Education Association since 1982; Plymouth County Family and Consumer Sciences Club and served all offices.

She has served as past president and board member of the ISU College of FACS Alumni Association; and is a member Iowa Career and Technical Association and other education organizations.

She will serve as president of the Iowa Association of FCS for the 2009-10 year.

Rexwinkel immerses herself in community activities, too. She is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church where she is a member of the choir and quilt group and is a past council member; a Floyd Valley Hospital Auxiliary volunteer; Park Place Estates volunteer; member of Iowa Chapter DY of TTT, serving as past president and has headed most committees and Le Mars Chamber of Commerce volunteer with Ice Cream Days and RAGBRAI.

She is a voice heard regularly during the Plymouth County Fair, doing a radio show for KLEM radio interviewing 4-H members about their projects at the fair.

She and her husband John have three married children and four grandchildren.

With all her activities, she finds time for her hobbies of quilting, bridge, biking, gardening and knitting.

Rexwinkel credits the assistance and collaboration of FCS friends and professionals, plus many business and industry contacts that have contributed to the classroom experience that enabled her to receive the Teacher of the Year honor.

"I've learned from others by attending numerous conferences and updates in FCS," she said.

"My National Board Certification was a big boost, too," she said. "It taught me that with persistence one can obtain a goal."

That certification requires nearly a year's worth of time and effort, with candidates devoting between 200 and 400 hours of work to develop a portfolio that is judged by trained peers at the national level.

"This Teacher of the Year award doesn't belong to just me, but to hundreds of students, staff and administration, plus FCS colleagues who have made an impact on me," Rexwinkel said.

"I can only hope to be an example for my students every day," she said.