Elmhurst Teacher Gets Nationwide Group's Honor

ELMHURST, IL — Danielle Mitchell, an Elmhurst School District teacher, was recognized as one of 100 exceptional educators by the Council for Exceptional Children as part of its 100th anniversary celebration.

Mitchell, who is in her eighth year in District 205, teaches at Hawthorne Elementary School. She is a resource teacher in special education for kindergarten through second grade.

The council is sharing 100 stories from teachers around the world who have shown a passion, dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of students. Here is Mitchell's story.

“Danielle exhibits the wonderful attributes of our exceptional educators who go above and beyond on behalf of children with disabilities and continually advance the field of special education,” Colleen Cook, director of special education from early childhood to fifth grade, said in a district news release.

Mitchell taught for one year with the Cooperative Association for Special Education, or CASE, before joining District 205. She has a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in special education, learning and behavior specialist. In May 2020, she received her master’s degree in early childhood education from Concordia University Chicago.

“I believe all students can learn and grow,” Mitchell said in the news release. “I believe that all children are unique and have something special they can bring to their own education.”