June 20, 2021

Shanna Putnam Dibble, Elementary Learner Advocate for Decorah Schools, has been recognized as one of two educators who received honorable mention in the “Educator of Character” category by The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, an organization that annually honors Iowans who show these six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

Hannah Hemesath, Early Childhood-4^th grade English Language Learner teacher for Decorah schools, wrote this in her nomination of Putnam Dibble: “In her position as a Learner Advocate, she supports families, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, students and the wider community. Shanna serves on the board of the PTO program for Decorah Schools and on the Decorah Public Library board. She is constantly looking for ways to give back to the community in which she works and lives. During the pandemic, she partnered with the Decorah Public Library and Decorah Parks & Recreation to organize socially distanced community book walks for families. Shanna’s service to the community is far reaching, and she truly embodies the spirit of what it means to be a steward of the community.”

“Shanna is the definition of upbeat,” Hemesath continued. “She works diligently to provide engaging, fun, and exciting educational activities and experiences for our students and members of the community. Shanna respects everyone and strives to promote acceptance of diversity. She truly believes in and exemplifies the acceptance and beauty of all people, creating experiences for all regardless of ethnicity, race, or physical or mental barriers. Her caring and compassionate temperament makes her an approachable and safe adult for students, families, and staff alike. She works passionately to spread joy and to find the silver lining in everything.”

Superintendent of schools Mark Lane shared, “I am thrilled Shanna Putnam Dibble has been recognized as one of three Educators of Character for 2021 by the Iowa Character Awards. Shanna is a dedicated advocate for our students and strives to make Decorah a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.”

Putnam Dibble will be invited to an in-person celebration of the Iowa Character Awards on Sunday, August 29^th at Prairie Meadows Event Center in Altoona. More information about the Iowa Character Awards can be found at https://www.drake.edu/raycenter/recognition/ica/.