Alum Earns Educator Award at Dallas Center-Grimes
Josh Saba earns the Teacher of the Year award from the Grimes Chamber & Economic Development for his work in implementing work-based learning opportunities for special education students.
Buena Vista University alum Josh Saba was treated like royalty in Grimes in late July, the benefits of being chosen as Dallas Center-Grimes Teacher of the Year.
“I had a spot in the Grimes Governors’ Days Parade, a time to talk about teaching at a dinner recognizing the community’s award-winners, a surprise announcement at school, too,” says Saba, who noted the award came from the Grimes Chamber & Economic Development organization.
Saba, a 2007 BVU graduate, was nominated by community members who recognized his work in establishing and building a work-experience program for special education students at Dallas Center-Grimes High School.
“I’ve been at DC-G High School for 10 years, the first five of which were spent as a ‘regular’ special education teacher,” says Saba, a native of Becker, Minn. “Seven years ago, a representative from Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services asked about what we did for work-based learning opportunities for our general education students. We did plenty.”
“We saw the need and started a program where special education students earn work experience for a few hours each afternoon in an internship setting.”
Josh Saba
A follow-up query ensued: “What are you doing for work-based learning opportunities for special education students?”
“We weren’t doing enough,” he says. “We saw the need and started a program where special education students earn work experience for a few hours each afternoon in an internship setting. Some students are compensated for their work. And, for some, it ends up becoming a job for them. It keeps building each year.”
Saba, who went on to earn his workplace experience coordinator endorsement, has seen expectations rise for students who successfully navigate their internship experiences.
“The expectations rise for these students, and it can change their lives and the lives of their families,” he says.
One of Saba’s life-changing moments came upon his graduation from BVU in December 2007. Being a mid-year graduate, he was content in serving as a substitute teacher for a semester before applying for jobs. Dr. Robbie Ludy (Professor of Special Education, Emeritus), however, had different ideas. She strongly encouraged him to apply for a vacancy in the Clarke of Osceola Community School District. Saba did, and, mere weeks later, began his career as a special education teacher.
“I will always appreciate the work BVU did in helping line me up for a job immediately following my graduation,” he says.
BVU’s class sizes were a plus, according to Saba, who benefitted from direct feedback provided by professors. In addition to earning a special education major, Saba participated in cross country and track, a passion he continues to feed by serving as assistant boys’ cross-country coach for the two-time defending champion DC-G Mustangs.
Beyond all that, BVU is where Saba met his wife, Allison (Even) Saba, a 2009 BVU graduate who majored and worked in social work before choosing to stay at home to raise the couple’s three children.
“Allison and I both enjoyed our time at BVU and are anxious to do what we can to support our alma mater and its students,” he says. “I remember being at the event in Grimes for the DC-G Teacher of the Year award and seeing several people in the crowd who were graduates of BVU, too.”