Tim Hitzler, a social studies teacher at the Alternative Learning Center on the Alta Vista Campus, was recently awarded the Iowa Association for Alternative Education Newcomer of the Year Award.
The award is presented annually to an alternative educator who has less than five years of alternative education experience. It honors a person who is enthusiastic about alternative education, promotes a positive atmosphere in the school setting, and is an advocate for students.
Tim Hitler, a teacher at the Alternative Learning Center, during a class activity studying the Great Depression.
“The award is an honor and I am thankful I am teaching at an alternative school, and for a district, where creativity and enthusiasm is not only allowed but also appreciated,” said Hitzler, a Dubuque native who is a product of the Dubuque Community School District.
This is Hitlzer’s first year teaching at the Alternative Learning Center, following nine years as a special education teacher at Senior High School.
In all that he does, students are at the forefront of this work. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students solve real world problems with the projects we in class,” said Hitzler. “Real projects come with real obstacles, real stress, real emotions and hopefully real success. I also enjoy building relationships with kids, which is essential for everything else.”