A District 181 volunteer, instructional assistant and administrator were recognized October 16 in Peoria with Those Who Excel Awards from the Illinois State Board of Education.
The 36th Annual Those Who Excel/Teacher of the Year Program culminates in the announcement of the 2010-11 Illinois Teacher of the Year.
“These individuals are being recognized for their exceptional dedication to the students of our state,” said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. “Every day they go above and beyond the norm to provide the best educational environment possible for their students. Their efforts are making a significant difference in the lives and learning of children across Illinois.”
Earning awards in Community Consolidated School District 181 were:
•Mary M. Ticknor, Award of Excellence, School Administrator Category
•Meg D. Cooper, Award of Merit, Community Volunteer Category.
•Janet L. Lebeck, Award of Recognition, Education Service Personnel Category
Candidates are nominated by their local schools and people in their communities. The nomination includes a brief biography of the nominee, his or her philosophy of education, professional development and community involvement and their opinions of the state’s most pressing educational needs. Letters of recommendation are also required. A committee of peers chooses the award winners. The committee represents statewide education organizations and includes former award winners.
The categories for recognition are: classroom teacher, school administrator, student support personnel, educational service personnel, school board member and/or community volunteer, teams (groups of teachers and administrators, citizen committees, civic organizations, parent organizations, school boards, booster clubs and others that have a significant impact on teaching and learning in a school or district), and early career educator. This year’s group of award winners included 49 recipients of the highest award level, Excellence; 54 recipients of the Award of Merit; and 56 recipients of the Award of Recognition.
Mary Ticknor came to District 181 in July 2004 from South Dakota, where she held a several administrative and teaching positions. She served as Hinsdale Middle School principal from July 2004 to June 2007. She moved into central office as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in July 2007 and became Associate Superintendent for Human Resources in July 2008. She was nominated for supporting innovative use of technology, creativity and educational best practices to increase student learning, and retaining staff that demonstrate stellar instructional practices. Her letter of recommendation states: “Mary’s leadership fostered a collaborative team that has moved this district forward. She has led the way to significantly improve the quality of special educational services, restructure of our technology infrastructure, and worked diligently to collaborate with the board and our interim superintendent to make budget reductions that resulted in little impact on students, programs, or full time teachers.”
Meg Cooper has held many volunteer positions in the past 15 years in District 181, including leadership roles on the Elm School Parent Teacher Organization, before joining the District 181 Foundation in 2005. She was elected president of the board of directors of the nonprofit organization in 2008. She was nominated for her ability to bring people together, plan major events, and create excitement about the Foundation’s initiatives. Her letter of recommendation states, “Meg Cooper is a stellar example of the volunteer spirit that sets our nation apart. She stepped up when she saw a need, marshaled all of her time and talent, engaged her neighbors and friends, and reached out beyond our District 181 boundaries, all to increase funding for progressive initiatives that enhance our children’s educational experience.”
Janet L. Lebeck has worked for District 181 for 14 years as an instructional assistant in the Early Childhood Education program. The Clarendon Hills resident was nominated for her dedication to her students and her commitment to continuing education in her field. Her letter of recommendation states, “ Janet not only comes to work every day with enthusiasm and a great idea to entice the students to learn, but Janet also takes her work home with her. No matter what the theme we may be learning about, Janet takes it upon herself to research and order books the students would enjoy and from which they would greatly benefit.”
“We are proud of our 2010-11 honorees and grateful for their many contributions to our district. To be recognized for excellence by the Illinois State Board of Education is a positive reflection on the staff, students and our many volunteers,” said Dr. Renée Schuster, Superintendent.
