Hinsdale Central's Dawn Oler Named Teacher of the Year for Illinois

Submitted by Hinsdale Township High School District 86

Hinsdale, Ill. – October 14, 2014 – Hinsdale Township High School District 86 today proudly announced that Hinsdale Central High School Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Dawn Oler was named the Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (ILAFCS). According to ILAFCS, the award recognizes exemplary teachers with outstanding educational programs that utilize methods, techniques and activities integrated into the curriculum that provide the stimulus for and give visibility to family and consumer sciences.

As the award recipient, she will represent the State of Illinois in the National Teacher of the Year Award program and she will speak at the ILAFCS state conference in March 2015.

“I am so honored to receive this award,” said Ms. Oler. “It is a tribute to my students. They make me laugh, they make me cry, they force me to rethink everything and they challenge me to grow every day!”

Commenting on the key lesson she tries to impart to her students, Ms. Oler stresses the concept of care. She continued, “Care about yourself, about others, about the environment, your community, and the impact you have the potential to make. Everyday provides an opportunity to improve your character and your life, seize that opportunity.”

Ms. Oler earned a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences education and a master’s degree in human development and family studies both from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She continued her education at Olivet Nazarene University, earning a master’s degree in school improvement leadership. In 2012, she received recognition as a national board-certified teacher in career and technical education through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. She has spent the past 10 years at District 86.

In addition to teaching, Ms. Oler currently sponsors Family Career and Community Leaders of America and Future Educators Association student organizations at Hinsdale Central. She has served on the ILAFCS District 1 Board and has presented at both state and national conferences. She currently leads courses in culinary arts, independent living and coordinates the Invitation to Teach program. Most recently, she has been involved in the design of an honor’s level curriculum and introduction of a Baking and Pastry Arts program.