2 Prairie Crossing Teachers Recognized

GRAYSLAKE, IL --Two Prairie Crossing Charter School Community teachers recently received Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel education awards. Heather Jackson received an award of recognition as an early career education and Danielle Venegoni received an award of recognition as a classroom teacher. The
Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel program recognizes educators from all areas of the
educational spectrum, individuals who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to the students within their schools and communities, according to a news release.

Venegoni believes, “that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating
atmosphere in which he or she can grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.”

This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of an educator who believes in creating a safe and open environment for students that is conducive to learning, school officials said in the news release.

As for Jackson, Prairie Crossing officials said her enthusiasm, compassion and constant desire to improve every day is evident in the relationships she has built with her students. One of her role models taught her that, “a teacher should teach more than his content area, but should also teach ‘life’; hard lessons, what it means to be a contributing member of society and how to survive in the real world."

Jackson and Venegoni will be recognized with the other honorees on Oct. 20 at the 44th Those Who Excel banquet.

Photo caption (left to right): Heather Jackson and Danielle Venegoni/Photo credit: Prairie Crossing Charter School