State Board, IFT and IEA Recognize More Than 30 Exemplary Educators for Their Performance

Teachers from across the state honored for their expertise and commitment to specific content areas

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Board of Education, along with the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) and the Illinois Education Association (IEA), will honor 33 educators whose professional education organizations selected as the best in their field of expertise during the 2014-15 school year. The educators, all of whom earned awards for teaching a specific subject, from mathematics to physical education, were recognized during a luncheon today at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.

“We are happy to have the chance to recognize teachers of this caliber, who are strong leaders committed to helping students succeed,” said State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith. “The passion, enthusiasm and dedication for teaching these educators demonstrate daily is felt by students, colleagues, administrators, and parents alike. They go the extra mile every day to ensure students are learning, and we are pleased to publicly thank them for their tireless efforts.”

Today’s event will be the fifth annual Exemplary Teacher Recognition Award Luncheon hosted by the State Board and the two state teacher associations.

“The Illinois Education Association is always proud to help sponsor the Teacher Recognition Luncheon, a wonderful way to thank and acknowledge Illinois’ many outstanding educators,” said Cinda Klickna, President of IEA. “The award-winners have shown exemplary teaching in each of their fields, and they remind us that great education is being delivered to our students every day in every school in Illinois.”

Each fall, ISBE names one teacher of the year and recognizes almost 200 educators nominated by their own district or members of their communities for outstanding service through the Those Who Excel program. Steve Elza, an automotive technology teacher, was named the 2015 Illinois Teacher of the Year. Elza teaches at William Fremd High School in Township High School District 211. The annual Exemplary Teacher Recognition Award Luncheon provides an opportunity to honor other award winning teachers from across the state.

“Illinois is home to outstanding educators who go above and beyond every day,” said Dan Montgomery, President of IFT. “It brings me great pleasure to honor these teachers who give so much of themselves for the students they serve.”

The following teachers were recognized as Exemplary Teachers: