D58 Educators Recognized With ‘Outstanding Teacher’ Awards

The Downer’s Grove Junior Woman’s Club honored two Dist. 58 staff members with the club’s Outstanding Teacher Award for 2014. The award recognizes teachers in Downers Grove-area schools who are truly special and remarkable in the field of education.

Club members judged heart-tugging teacher nominations submitted by students. Connor Hopkins, a sixth grader at Pierce Downer School, nominated his teacher, Megan Finnegan.

According to Connor, “When I can't understand a new idea, she finds a different book or worksheet so I can learn it. We talk about my problems and fix them so I can have fun in school. She helps me feel better when I have a bad day because she is so nice. I feel proud of myself because I am learning thanks to Ms. Finnegan.”

Maxwell Churma, a second grader at Indian Trail School, nominated his teacher, Karen Ryan. Maxwell says, “Mrs. Ryan is the best teacher ever. Because she is kind caring and I love her. And I enjoy doing math with her. My wish is that all kids could have a teacher like Mrs. Ryan. I will always remember her.”

“We are proud to honor three extremely talented teachers who are passionate about education and have positively impacted students in our local schools,” says Joanne Vought. “Part of our Club’s mission is to support education, and we were impressed by all the applications from students and the incredible things they said about the teachers here in the community.”

Finnegan and Ryan were honored with the Outstanding Teacher Award on March 25 at The Lincoln Center. Students read excerpts from their Outstanding Teacher Award submissions during the ceremony.

Source: Downer’s Grove Junior Woman’s Club