East High Teacher Is Iowa's Debate Educator Of The Year

DES MOINES, IA — There's no debating that Jennifer Medina is a top-notch educator in Iowa. Administrators at East High School recognized it and nominated her for a national honor that will be announced later this winter. In connection with that, she was named Iowa’s Educator of the Year by the National Speech & Debate Association.

The group will name national finalists Jan. 15, followed by its national winner on March 2, which is National Speech and Debate Education Day.

Medina has taught at East for 16 years and is a fourth generation Scarlet. Her daughter, representing the fifth generation at the school, is currently a student there.

Medina was nominated for the national honor by School Improvement Leader Sherry Poole and Vice Principal Elizabeth Ahrens, a story on the district's website said.

“It’s always nice to be recognized by people who work with you," Medina said for that story, published earlier this month.

Medina coaches the Scarlet debaters who compete across the state and in national tournaments in a season that includes twice-weekly practices from September through March. They're brought home numerous awards this season and the school also hosts a tournament.

Photo via Des Moines schools