Staff Member from Bloom Recognized from Prairie State College

It was no surprise to Bloom Township high school superintendent Dr. Lenell Navarre that one of his staff members was honored by Prairie State College. Teachers and staff at both Bloom high schools are dedicated in always helping their students.

Prairie State College recognized Dorith Johnson who is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessments and Grants for Bloom Township.

“When Mrs. Johnson came to the district two years ago, she hit the ground running, her work was proven” said Dr. Navarre. “We’re excited to see great things to come in the area of curriculum, instruction and assessment. The partnership with Prairie State College has been exemplary. Our IT students graduating with an Associates degree and the early college enrollment that we’ve been a part of. I want to give a special thank you for Dr. Winfree. From Day one when I took over as Superintendent, they came with their arms open and talked about having a partnership.”

In an email, Dorith Johnson wrote about her being recognized.

When I received the letter from the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators and the Illinois Community College Faculty Association commending me for outstanding service to Illinois community colleges, it further validated the fact that we are doing the right work for our students. We greatly value the community partnership our district has with Prairie State College, which has been fostered by our Superintendent Lenell Q. Navarre Ed.D. and the President of Prairie State College Dr. Terri Winfree, wrote Johnson.

Johnson has previously served as a high school math teacher, building and district administrator, as well as, the Area Director with the Illinois Center for School Improvement for South Cook and a portion of Joliet. Johnson oversaw district and school improvement services for seventeen school districts.

Johnson also wrote about the importance of preparing Bloom Township high school students for college.

There is a strong emphasis on students being both college and career ready. It is critical that we as a district help foster career pathways for our students. Bloom Township High School District 206 is in partnership with Prairie State College with a focus on many programs that prepare our students for the workplace. At the Fall 2019 Conference of the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators and the Illinois Community College Faculty Association, I co-facilitated breakout sessions on two programs – the Information Technology

Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Program and the Culinary Arts Program. Through the Information Technology Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Program, we had eleven Bloom Township High School District 206 students earn an Associate degree in Information Technology, while simultaneously earning a high school diploma. It was a proud moment for our district and community to have eleven Bloom Township High School District 206 students walk across the stage to receive their high school diploma, while also having earned an associate degree from Prairie State College. During their junior and senior year they not only earned college credit, but workplace experience and industry-recognized credentials. I also presented on the Culinary Arts Program. This program, which started in September 2019, is comprised of Bloom Township High School District 206 students and community members. The class, which is held at Bloom High School, meets in the evening twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This program is a testament to our partnership with Prairie State College. Through shared resources, we provide the kitchen space, utensils, and in-house oversight of the program. Prairie State College provides all instructional supplies, disposables, and secures faculty to teach the program. The students earn two stackable certificates at the completion of this program, including a professional kitchen certificate. We also have students in the Certified Nursing Assistant Program through Prairie State, wrote Johnson.

What does it mean to work for District 206, Johnson writes;

I remain continuously grateful to work at Bloom Township High School District 206. This is a student-centered district that embraces community connections and partnerships for the preparation and advancement of our students.