2007 Special Award for Dedication to Education

The Lawrence SchoolsFoundation surprised Jim Immel, teacher at East Heights Early Childhood Center, on Monday, December 17, by rewarding him with a check for $5,000. He's the first recipient of this specialaward.
He earnedhis bachelor’s degree at The University of Kansas. He worked with preschoolers and children with autism for nine years in Overland Park and Lawrence before joining the Lawrence Public Schools in 1992. He served as a special education paraeducator and worked with students with autism for five years at Quail Run Elementary School, and for the past 11 years, has served as an early childhood education teacher at Pinckney Elementary School (1997-2003) and now East Heights Early Childhood Family Center (2003-present). 
“He’s exactly what every school needs – a hopeless optimist who loves to work hard to see children reach their potential,” wrote Kris Matthews, whose son Robbie was in Immel’s class last year. “My favorite moment of each day was walking by the window of his classroom after dropping Robbie off and hearing the kids singing…it took all that I had not to sit down in the well-organized, joyous circle and join in.”
“Jim has a natural way with children; his gentle responsive manner is all about children,” said Cris Anderson, East Heights’ principal. “Each year parents and children will make a point to tell me how Mr. Immel has touched their lives.”
“Jim shows a true love, not only for his kids, but also for his position as an early childhood teacher,” said Becky Hapke, paraeducator. “His love for school, teaching and children is contagious and all those around him can’t help but catch that happiness he gives off when he comes to work each day.”

Special Award for Dedication to Education Recipients