State Board, IFT and IEA recognize almost 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 once again honor 29 educators whose professional education organizations selected as the best in their field of expertise during the 2013-14 school year. The educators, all of whom earned awards for teaching a specific subject, from mathematics to physical education, will be recognized during a luncheon today (Wednesday) at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield.

“With Illinois implementing new learning standards to prepare students for a global workforce, the expertise and skills of these outstanding teachers is invaluable,” said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. “Their knowledge and passion for teaching in a variety of curriculum areas is an integral component of student success. We are pleased to have the opportunity to extend our thanks and appreciation for their commitment to Illinois’ students and education.”

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

“We are delighted to honor these educators for all they do for the communities they serve,” said Dan Montgomery, President of IFT. “We recognize how these dedicated teachers go above and beyond for their students every day and represent the high quality of teaching taking place throughout the state.”

Each fall, ISBE names one teacher of the year and recognizes more than 150 educators nominated by their own district or members of their communities for outstanding service through the Those Who Excel program. Second grade teacher Pam Riley was named the 2014 Illinois Teacher of the Year. Riley teaches at Woodbury Elementary School in Sandwich CUSD 430. The annual Exemplary Teacher Recognition Award Luncheon provides an opportunity to honor other award winning teachers from across the state.

“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 Klicka, 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.”

The following teachers will be recognized at Wednesday’s luncheon: