Senator Nybo announces program honoring local educators

LOMBARD – Inspired by a local teacher who helped a student meet his full potential, State Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) is formulating a program to honor local educators.

The Inspiring Educator award program asks parents, students or other community members in the 24th Senate District to recommend individual educators who impact students’ lives in a positive way.

“Think of the people who played such an important role in shaping you as a young person – no doubt, one or more of those role models was a teacher,” Nybo said. “Inspiring educators go beyond helping our children learn reading, writing and arithmetic. Their caring and dedication can affect young lives in ways they might not realize and for that, we are grateful.”

The 2015 Inspiring Educator award recipient is Emily Shield from Briar Glen School in Glen Ellyn. Shield (pictured, at right) was nominated by the Lujan family for Ms. Shield’s tireless work with the Lujans’ son Caleb (pictured, at left).

“I have to say that my students help me as much as I help them. Seeing them make changes in school is amazing. Seeing them make changes at home is profound,” Shield said. “Seeing my students make changes that will help them their whole lives is the reason I do this job. There is no greater satisfaction as a teacher than knowing you have had a small part in that.”

Sen. Nybo has asked his Legislative Advisory Council’s Education Committee, chaired by retired principal Mary Ann Kalis, to set criteria for future award and to create an application process. The committee will review the applications and recommend award winners.

“This is a very flexible award. The term ‘educator’ opens up the award to all who work with students in a school setting. We wanted to make sure specialized support personnel could be recognized as well,” Kalis said.

To qualify, teachers and education personnel must be employed and working in a public or private school or located in 24th Senate District. The educator must make a significant positive impact on children’s lives by inspiring children to learn whether it be through traditional or non-traditional methods. Effective communication, impact on students’ social-emotional learning, innovative teaching techniques and community involvement will be considered.

Nomination forms for the 2016 Inspiring Educator award are due June 30, 2016, and the recipient(s) of the Inspiring Educator award(s) will be announced in early September 2016.

For more information about the program, contact Sen. Nybo’s district office at chris@chrisnybo.org or 630/969-0990.