Pleasantdale School District 107 Art Teacher Receives "Those Who Excel" Award and Art Gallery Honors

An Open House Art Gallery event was hosted on Nov. 3 to celebrate Dianne Washburn, Pleasantdale Middle School art teacher, for her contributions to the District 107 community as well as to honor her recent Those Who Excel award/Teacher of the Year nomination from the Illinois State Board of Education. Held at Capri Banquets in Countryside, the event featured works of art from past and present students in addition to Washburn’s own artistic creations. Current and former students, staff, parents, community members and Board members perused the various forms of art on display while congratulating Washburn on her accomplishments and years of service to the students of District 107.

“This was an amazing evening full of stories, laughter, and of course, artwork,” said Superintendent Dave Palzet, Ph.D. “She has had a positive impact on thousands of students that goes far beyond the classroom.”

Washburn has been teaching in District 107 for 43 years and is a recipient of a Those Who Excel award/Teacher of the Year nomination which was presented to her on Oct. 17 at the annual awards banquet held in Normal. She received an Award of Excellence and was one of 250 outstanding educators across Illinois receiving an award.

The Illinois State Board of Education annually sponsors Those Who Excel to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Excellence, Meritorious Service and Special Recognition awards were presented in seven categories. Nomination materials are evaluated by a selection committee comprised of individuals who represent a variety of educational organizations. Local school district leaders and members of school communities nominate candidates.

Washburn has been teaching at Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge since 1972. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from the University of Iowa and a Master of Arts in Art Education from Northern Illinois University. Leading the Fine Arts Department within the District throughout the course of her career, it is Washburn’s responsibility to research, refine and implement all fine art curricula for the District as well as collaborate with her fellow art teachers to ensure alignment to learning standards and uniqueness of art tasks for each grade.

A resident of Woodridge, Washburn has two stepdaughters, four grandchildren and two pets.