Joliet District 86 Superintendent Receives Music Award

Congratulations to Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse who received the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Outstanding Administrator Award. The award was presented to Dr. Rouse during the 2022 Illinois Music Education Conference held recently in Peoria.

Joliet Public Schools District 86 Fine Arts Coordinator Adam Rusek nominated Dr. Rouse for this annual award because she has a “whatever it takes” approach to supporting music education in District 86.

“Whatever it takes to make a quality experience for the students. Whatever it takes to demonstrate our devotion to equity in education to the community. Whatever it takes to put a smile on student and teacher faces…She strives for a well-rounded education for all of our students, knowing that music is a large part of a student’s positive school experience,” said Rusek.

“Dr. Rouse has made an incredible impact in our school district,” added District 86 music educator Clifford Hunt. “Her support of the music department has allowed us to start a general music curriculum for our 15 elementary schools.”

“Music has always been a big part of my life,” said Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse. “I’m very proud of our amazing fine arts programs that we are able to offer to all students in District 86.”

The ILMEA presents the Outstanding Administrator Award to a school administrator who supports his/her music program in a manner only possible as an administrator. The annual award is given to an administrator who provides encouragement and support of music education in their school, district, and state.