/Those%20Who%20Excel%20Collage_2023%20(1).png?mask=1)
Eight staff members from District 97 have been honored by Illinois State Board of Education in conjunction with the state’s “Teacher of the Year” and "Those Who Excel" recognition programs: Kathleen Kelly (Julian), Allison Nelson (Longfellow), Lori Pelling (Irving), Stephanie Suerth (Brooks), Lauren Trout (Lincoln/Whittier), Elizabeth Vietzen (Holmes), Nicole Clark (Whittier), and Madonna Weck (Mann).
The Teacher of the Year and Those Who Excel programs recognize teachers, administrators, school support personnel and volunteers from across the state of Illinois for how they understand their roles and the difference they make for students. Honorees are nominated by members of the District 97 community, often a colleague or family, upon whom they have made a great impact.
“This recognition of eight members of Team D97 is a celebration for our community,” said Superintendent Dr. Ushma Shah, “We know that there is no factor more significant for student success than collective teacher efficacy, the shared commitment of a team of professionals to achieve equity and excellence through the continuous improvement of student engagement and learning. Collective teacher efficacy starts with individuals who wake up every day eager to serve our students.”
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: Teacher, 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.
“Each member of this group of eight honorees was nominated by a member of our school community who witnessed that high level of professional commitment and expertise in their practice,” Shah said. “We are grateful to have professionals of this caliber on our team— and I look forward to visiting each of their classrooms soon!”
ISBE will recognize all of its Teacher of the Year and Those Who Excel honorees at a banquet this spring. Details about each winner are included below.
Award of Meritorious Service
/Kathleen%20Kelly.jpeg?mask=1)
Kathleen Kelly, French Teacher, Julian Middle School
Category: Teacher
Award: Meritorious Service
“Mademoiselle Kelly is a master teacher. From the minutiae of classroom management to the big picture of scope and sequence, she has it all under control and teaches from the heart.”
“Her impact, student-centered approach and willingness to create a collaborative atmosphere are second to none.”
/Allison%20Nelson.jpg?mask=1)
Allison Nelson, Third Grade Teacher, Longfellow Elementary School
Category: Teacher
Award: Meritorious Service
“Allison Nelson is a stellar example of what every teacher should aim for. She takes the time to build substantial relationships with students, families, and colleagues while focusing on how to accelerate student achievement… Allison always looks for ways to contribute to her school community by sharing and collaborating on best practices that pertain to equitable instructional strategies in the classroom.”
/Lori_Pelling_Photo.jpg?mask=1)
Lori Pelling, Second Grade Teacher, Irving Elementary School
Category: Teacher
Award: Meritorious Service
“Ms. Pelling’s classroom has a diverse student population and her plans demonstrate an awareness of each individual student’s needs, any misconceptions the students may have, and how these can be addressed, while also providing a variety of appropriately challenging resources. She uses ongoing methods to assess students’ skill levels and designs instruction accordingly. Ms. Pelling holds all students to a high standard and will work tirelessly to find the right approach for each student.”
/SUERTH2020%20copy.jpg?mask=1)
Stephanie Suerth, French Teacher, Brooks Middle School
Category: Teacher
Award: Meritorious Service
“The best teacher is one who reaches their students by building excellent rapport and is an expert in their content area. Ms. Suerth does both.”
“I once heard someone describe teaching as the act of making something extraordinary out of something ordinary, and Stephanie Suerth embodies this with great proficiency. Her authenticity as a teacher and a human is commendable and deserving of acknowledgement.”
/Elizabeth%20Vietzen%20copy.JPG?mask=1)
Elizabeth Vietzen, Second Grade Teacher, Holmes Elementary School
Category: Teacher
Award: Meritorious Service
“Elizabeth Vietzen is an unparalleled heroic force–a fierce advocate on behalf of families and students, an innovative leader in the classroom who challenges and encourages students of all abilities, a collaborative educator with decades of experience and expertise. She is accomplished, liked and loved by all who have the great fortune of crossing her path.”
/Lauren%20Trout.png?mask=1)
Lauren Trout, Student Services Coordinator, Lincoln Elementary School and Whittier Elementary School
Category: Student Support Personnel
Award: Meritorious Service
“Lauren Trout consistently guides her teams through difficult situations. Lauren’s professionalism allows her to be an unbiased member of a team that is student-focused. She often bridges the needs and wishes of a variety of people who may have competing interests. She is solution focused and makes everyone still feel heard.”
Awards of Special Recognition
/Nicole%20Clark.jpg?mask=1)
Nicole Clark Braswell, Second Grade Teacher, Whittier Elementary School
Category: Teacher
Award: Special Recognition
“Nicole creates an incredibly warm and inviting classroom setting allowing for children to feel comfortable and confident as 2nd graders. She contributes to the school community by offering a hand to those in need of support, a listening ear and a constant smile on her face. She shares personal stories allowing staff and students to form a connection easily. Nicole goes above and beyond for her classroom and school community, making her an easy person to nominate.”
/Madonna%20Weck.jpg?mask=1)
Madonna Weck, Third Grade Teacher, Mann Elementary School
Category: Teacher
Award: Special Recognition
“Madonna Weck is one of a kind... Madonna's classroom feels like a home for students. It's warm, welcoming, fun, entertaining and light just like Madonna is. Her dedication to students is above and beyond, to the point where former students are constantly coming back to visit her, help set up her room, or volunteer in her current classroom…Ms. Weck is highly respected by her peers, as well as parents in our school community. Her energy level is always high, a smile is constantly on her face, and she's ready to teach every day with enthusiasm and positivity.”