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Contact:
Jan Goetz, Hazel Grove PTA President, (913) 627-7000

Hazel Grove Principal Named Outstanding Educator of the Year by Kansas PTA

Sue Elliott, principal at Hazel Grove Elementary School in Kansas City, Kan., has been named 2008 Kansas PTA Outstanding Educator of the Year.

"I feel very honored by this recognition," said Elliott. "I have a PTA and staff that support me beyond belief."

The recognition is made annually to honor a teacher, principal, para-educator, administrator or superintendent who has made outstanding contributions in the field of education. Elliott will be honored Sunday, April 20 during the 94th Annual Kansas PTA Convention which will take place at the Salina Holiday Inn and Convention Center.

"An especially gifted person" and "impactful educator" is how Elliott was described in her nomination. She has been principal at Hazel Grove for seven years and has been an educator in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools for 29 years.

A strong advocate of the PTA, locally and statewide, Elliott attends all local functions and the state convention each year. She has high praise for the Hazel Grove PTA for their activities and support, including their fund raising efforts for new playground equipment. Another of their many programs is a "cold lunch" account that provides lunch for students who are out of lunch money.

As a principal she sees her role as a sort of cheerleader for her staff. She knows that if she provides them with support and meets their needs, they will work hard to provide a quality education to students.

Her favorite part of the job is being around the students.

"Even when I'm having a bad day I can go out into the hallway and get a hug and it just changes my whole mindset," she said.

Her commitment to education extends to mentoring future leaders. For many years, Hazel Grove served as a professional development school for Emporia State University. Student teachers would spend an entire school year at Hazel Grove working with the staff to hone their craft. Elliott also has spent the past two years mentoring an assistant principal intern.

She has a bachelor's degree from Kent State University in Ohio, and a master's degree from the University of Kansas. She has an administrative certification from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and currently is working toward an endorsement in English Language Learning from Kansas State University.

The Outstanding Educator of the Year Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the PTA. Educators honored must exhibit: a positive relationship with students, staff and parents; a link between professional work and the community; involvement in the PTA; and a commitment to continuing education.