Nominations Open For Kane County Educator Of The Year Award

GENEVA, IL — If you know an educator who plays an active role at a Kane County school and is "exceptionally skillful and dedicated," now is the time to nominate them for the 2022 Kane County Educator of the Year award.

A 46-year-old tradition, the award goes out each year to someone who works at any school in the county, be it public or private, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

According to the Kane County Regional Office of Education, which awards the honor, candidates should be respected and admired by students, parents and coworkers.

In 2021, the title went to Susan Jones, a special education teacher at Batavia Public School District 101.

"I was honored to be nominated and couldn't have done it without my colleagues, team members and family," she said in a statement. "They are my rock and support me. Receiving this award was such an honor."

Applications, which are due by March 18 and can be found online, are reviewed by a team of student teachers, retired teachers, university and business representatives, and national board-certified teachers.

Nominees and school district representatives will celebrate the Educator of the Year at a formal dinner April 29. Taking place at Q Center, 1405 N. Fifth Ave. in St. Charles, the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at local district offices beginning April 1.

"Every year we have so many wonderful professionals nominated," Regional Superintendent Patricia Dal Santo said in a statement. "Seeing how much each person's expertise shine in the education profession warms my heart. It truly highlights the proverb (it takes a village to raise a child) to a higher level."