Maureen Dyer, Pleasant Valley High School English/Journalism teacher and Spartan Shield & Yearbook adviser, has been named the 2024 Rod Vahl Journalism Teacher of the Year. This award, presented by the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) and the Journalism Education Association (JEA), was given to Mrs. Dyer during the Fall Journalism State Conference at the University of Iowa last Thursday.
In addition to this recognition, Pleasant Valley’s yearbook was named runner-up for Yearbook of the Year, and the Spartan Shield finished as runner-up for News Team of the Year.
Mrs. Dyer’s impact on her students goes far beyond teaching AP style or editing skills. According to 2023 PVHS graduate Jae Jepsen, who submitted the nomination for Mrs. Dyer, “... everyone in her classroom felt so comfortable and at home. There was a level of authenticity that I had never felt in a high school classroom.” Jae noted how Mrs. Dyer created an environment of support, pushing students to grow while holding them to high standards: “Mrs. Dyer would hold me to the same high standard I held myself, but also deliver every bit of criticism with encouragement.”
Jae highlighted the fearlessness Mrs. Dyer showed in supporting students during challenging situations. The support Mrs. Dyer provided gave students the confidence to tackle tough issues and stand by their work. Jae, now studying at the University of Missouri, reflected on how these lessons shaped her interest in journalism as a career: “Mrs. Dyer taught me a lot in the two years I worked on the Spartan Shield. What I will really carry with me are the more dynamic skills she teaches: how to write fearlessly, how to accept criticism and grow from it, how to lead with grace and kindness, and how to truly dedicate myself to the causes I believe in.”
Photo Credit: Iowa High School Press Association