WACO’s Bartels earns state award

A WACO school administrator has been recognized for being a top administrator in the state of Iowa.

Secondary Principal Tim Bartels was named this year’s recipient of the Iowa State Education Association’s TEAM (Together Educators and Administrators Make It Happen) Award.

The award honors a school administrator who has worked to create a collaborative, collegial working environment for all staff in the school building or district. The award is presented to only one administrator in the state each year.

A nomination letter from WACO Education Association President Amy Langr and WACO Building Representative Sarah Smith praised Bartels’ work as an administrator.

“He has been a true PARTNER in educating the students of our school district,” the letter stated. “Mr. Bartels is a student centered administrator. It is not uncommon to see him standing in the hallway asking students about their interests, their families and important aspects of their lives.

“When asking students what they like about Mr. Bartels, many of the students state that he cared about them, he knew who they were and never felt as if the did not have time for them.”

They called Bartels a respectful administrator.

“He values the knowledge, expertise and opinions of ALL of the staff he works beside,” the letter said. “He leads by empowering those around him and letting all of us know how important and valuable we are to the WACO system.”

They also spoke of Bartels’ compassion, recalling how he handled the suicide of a student in 2021.

“Upon learning of her death, Mr. Bartels immediately began to plan how to help his students and staff make sense of this tragedy,” the letter said. “He invited community partners including parents, pastors, police officers, etc. to come into the school and help students make sense of our new normal.

“He also brought in an administrator from a neighboring district to help with the day to day operations, so that we could see him grieve alongside our students.”

The letter also included some comments from other people.

“I have never had someone who I want to work harder for than Mr. Bartels because I want to do the best for him. He always does the best for us,” one teacher said.

An instructional coach said, “I LOVE that I never have a bad idea in his eyes! He’s always willing to try something new if it’s for the kids!”

The letter closed by saying that there is not a stronger advocate for teachers, associates and staff members than Bartels.

“He is what makes our school stronger each day and makes it such a phenomenal place to be,” the letter closed.

Bartels will officially receive his award at the ISEA Summer Conference on Aug. 1.