For Immediate Release
August 29, 2007
8 teachers selected as finalists for Illinois Teacher
of the Year
SPRINGFIELD –The Illinois State Board of Education
(ISBE) announced today the names of the eight finalists
for the 2007-2008 Illinois Teacher of the Year. The finalists,
representing schools across the state, are selected from
nominees through ISBE’s ‘Those Who Excel’ educator
recognition program.
“This group of outstanding educators exemplifies
the dedication and commitment of Illinois teachers,” State
Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch said. “Each
and everyday they go above and beyond to help Illinois
students become successful learners. ‘Those Who
Excel’ provides us with the opportunity to publicly
recognize their achievements and to thank them for all
they do for the children of this state.”
Nearly 170 nominations were reviewed this year by a
selection committee comprised of volunteer administrators,
teachers, school board members, representatives from
educational service personnel, student support personnel,
parent/teacher organizations and former Illinois Teachers
of the Year.
Each nomination is individually reviewed and scored
three times. Nominations are scored based on personal
background information, the nominator’s recommendation,
and letters of recommendation. In addition, nominees
must answer questions focusing on student success, collaboration,
continuous learning, and leadership. Scores are compiled
and averaged to determine the level of recognition nominees
will receive (Excellence, Merit, or Recognition).
Teachers scoring at the Award of Excellence level become
finalists for Illinois Teacher of the Year.
The Illinois 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year will be announced
during the ‘Those Who Excel’ awards banquet
Saturday, October 13, 2007, at the Decatur Conference
and Convention Center. The Teacher of the Year represents
Illinois at NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and
in the National Teacher of the Year Program sponsored
by the Council of Chief State School Officers and ING.
The 2006-2007 Illinois Teacher of the Year is Joe Fatheree
who teaches technology at Effingham High School in Effingham
Unit 40 School District.
Illinois Teacher of the Year Finalists
Patricia Adamatis is an Adapted Physical Education
Teacher at Naperville Central High School in Naperville.
Deborah Keeven teaches third-grade at New Douglas Mid-Elementary
School in New Douglas.
Renae Kraetsch, from Einstein Elementary School in Hanover
Park, is a reading recovery teacher.
Bonnie Lapen is a second grade teacher at Northmoor
Edison Primary School in Peoria.
Ruth Meissen teaches Art to seventh and eighth grade
students at Harlem Middle School in Loves Park.
Paul Ritter, of Pontiac Township High School in Pontiac,
teaches science.
Laura Stoppek is an AP Psychology and AP US History
teacher at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Jan Wiggs teaches second grade at Freeburg Primary Center
in Freeburg.
Nominations for ‘Those Who Excel’ may
be made by administrators, teachers, parents, students,
or any person who knows an outstanding educator. Nomination
packets for the 2008-2009 Those Who Excel/Illinois Teacher
of the Year program will be distributed in January.
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