John Kounas Sloan, IA | 7-12, Science, 1996

John Kounas taught for 40 years at Westwood High School in the town of Sloan, Iowa. During that time span, he earned an M.S. from the state of Iowa in 1969. For over 15 years, John conducted and sponsored weeklong summer science trips for his students. Students under his supervision were required to work to earn at least 50% of their trip cost by selling concessions, salt, and working in construction-related projects—nearly 750 students took part. The program was strongly supported by parents and the community. John was also fortunate to have been an adjunct instructor for the University of South Dakota, Nebraska Technical College, and Western Iowa Technical College for more than 12 years. Throughout his tenure, the state science scores for his school were consistently in the upper 92% level. In addition to being named Iowa's 1996 PAEMST science awardee, John was selected to receive the Tandy's Science Math Award in 1993. Along with these two national awards, John was also selected as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow for 1999-2000 which included a year's sabbatical in Washington, DC, serving in the office of Senator Charles Grassely. In this role, he provided the senator with research information and data regarding science, environmental, and educational funding to gain vital insight to the success and effectiveness of funding and passage of legislation directly related to these areas. John is extremely proud of another award, which the University of Iowa bestowed on him during their graduation exercises in 2002: he was one of two teachers cited for exemplary teaching and instruction in the classroom. This award was due to his being nominated by one of his former students. His greatest reward are Thank Yous from his students.

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