Corrin Blandin was born September 16, 1970, in DeWitt, Iowa, to Francis and Shirley (Cleveland) Claeys. She was raised in Welton, Iowa, graduating from DeWitt Community Schools in 1989. Corrin continued her education at Iowa State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
After marrying her husband, Geoff Blandin, Corrin returned to the Dewitt area and taught at Maquoketa Middle School for several years. Corrin was blessed to stay home and raise four children, while also staying connected to the education community through volunteer work.
Corrin was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and the St. Joseph Home & School organization, where she spent numerous hours supporting the school staff. Corrin was a member of the DeWitt Junior Women, the Central DeWitt Music and Robotics Boosters Clubs, as well as a life-long member of the Iowa State University Alumni Association. She was also a leader of the Iowanna Junior 4-H club for 25 years, and volunteered at the DeWitt Referral Center.
After her children started school, she returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher, later transitioning to full-time teaching in 2021. When asked why she loved teaching, she would always say “because of the kids.” She had a passion for teaching kids and she believed in creating a positive classroom community where all students were able to succeed. Corrin recognized the importance of education in both her role as a parent and a teacher.
This award will be awarded annually to a recipient pursuing a career in the early childhood or elementary education field. An Elementary education major is preferred.