Three District 97 Staff Members Recognized by State Board of Education

Three individuals from District 97 have earned awards in conjunction with the Illinois State Board of Education’s "Teacher of the Year" and "Those Who Excel" recognition program: Marvin Childress (Lincoln), Elizabeth Smith (Lincoln) and Tanya Thigpen (Brooks). Details about each winner are included below.

"On behalf of everyone in District 97, I want to congratulate Marvin, Elizabeth and Tanya for this tremendous achievement," said Superintendent Carol Kelley. "Each of our winners have made a significant impact on their school communities through their exemplary work and unwavering dedication to their students, and we are thrilled that they have been recognized at the state level."

The Teacher of the Year/Those Who Excel banquet was previously scheduled to be held October 17 in Normal, Ill. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions in place limiting large gatherings, this year’s in-person event has been canceled. ISBE is currently developing an alternate plan to recognize winners virtually.

Teacher of the Year

Since 1970, ISBE has sponsored the Illinois Teacher of the Year program, recognizing the best of the teaching profession in Illinois. All public and nonpublic preK-12 educators in Illinois with more than five years of teaching experience are eligible. The top nominees from eight regions are designated as Regional Teachers of the Year; the Illinois Teacher of the Year is selected from that cohort. ISBE also recognizes Bilingual, Early Childhood, and Special Education Teachers of the Year. The Outstanding Early Career Educator award is presented to the top teacher in Illinois with one-four years of teaching experience.​​​​​​ Remaining nominees are awarded on two levels: Meritorious Service and Special Recognition.

Award of Meritorious Service

  • Marvin Childress, Classroom Teacher, Lincoln Elementary School
  • Elizabeth Smith, Classroom Teacher, Lincoln Elementary School
About Marvin Childress

Photo: Marvin ChildressMarvin Childress is currently serving as the student support specialist at Lincoln. He previously taught at the school for 13 years. (Click here for his "We Are D97" profile.)

Excerpts from Marvin's nomination:

"Through programs and initiatives such as Lincoln’s Chess Club and the Lincoln Tech Club (which was started this winter by a group of his students), Marvin empowers his students to always believe in themselves and to have a positive impact on others ... Thanks to his efforts, his students learned how to be critical, analytical and abstract thinkers and helped staff members and students learn about the benefits of technology both in and out of the classroom."

"Marvin has also been masterful in establishing and maintaining positive, productive relationships. He is beloved by everyone he comes in contact with, and has created a close, tight-knit network of support that consists of students, staff members and parents/guardians who work together to help the children he teaches achieve their goals and realize their dreams. Marvin is an exemplary ambassador for District 97 and the Oak Park community. He is a role model and community builder.  He represents the very best of who we are as a district, and what we aspire to be."

About Elizabeth Smith

Photo: Elizabeth SmithElizabeth Smith is a fifth-grade Spanish Immersion Teacher at Lincoln. She is currently in her 11th year of teaching.

Excerpts from Elizabeth's nomination:

"Ms. Smith is an expert in her subjects and finds ways to bring that knowledge to all students ... She is able to meet the needs of all students by providing small group instruction for those who need it and also encouraging students to accelerate their learning when she sees that they are ready for more. She pushes her students to do and learn more, often teaching three grade levels of material. This has helped many students build confidence in their math abilities to the point where they love math for the first time in their education. Ms. Smith goes out her way to meet with students who miss school for special circumstances."

"Ms. Smith’s dedication to the children of Oak Park extends beyond the students she has in class. She serves as the fifth grade team leader and supports the other grade level teachers. She is a champion of the Spanish Immersion program at all grade levels and tirelessly works to ensure its success. She advocates for the program by advising parents and keeping records of success. As a unique program, much of the district curriculum requires translations, which she works closely with her colleagues to make happen. For the past 10 years, Ms. Smith has worked to organize 'El Gran Fandango.' For many students this celebration of Spanish-speaking language and culture is the highlight of the school year."

Those Who Excel

The "Those Who Excel" program annually honors individuals that make a difference in students' lives and contribute positively to the culture of the school district in which they serve. Awards are presented in five categories: Administrator, Team, Community Volunteer, Student Support Personnel and Educational Service Personnel. Nominations are scored by a panel of judges and awarded on three levels: Award of Excellence, Award of Meritorious Service and Award of Recognition.

Award of Meritorious Service

  • Tanya Thigpen, Educational Service Personnel, Brooks Middle School
About Tanya Thigpen

Tanya Thigpen—known by students and staff as "Mrs. T"—is a teacher assistant at Brooks and also serves as a coach for the school's boys junior varsity basketball team.

Excerpts from Tanya's nomination:

"Mrs. T is able to anticipate the needs of others and provide support in unique ways. She gets to know students down to their core, sees their potential and wants to help them in any way possible. If students do not have their materials, Mrs. T will comb through the school to get them what they need. In the classroom, she cheers students on, finds ways to pull out the best from everyone, and makes learning accessible and fun for all. Students look forward to seeing her every day, and you can see their faces light up when she walks into the classroom."

"Passion and enthusiasm ooze out of Mrs. T both inside and outside of school. She gets to know all of her students—their strengths, their interests and their families ... She will go above and beyond for anyone. Even throughout this pandemic, she has been at the front, delivering meals, ensuring that students have access to the internet, and calling to motivate students every day."

"She is an always-present force of positivity in our building. She checks in on classroom teachers and helps students in need with kindness and grace. She has created strong bonds with all our students to help them feel safe and important. Ms. T focuses on the whole child, and generations of families in Oak Park now seek her advice."