Board of Education Honors Willowbrook School Music Teacher Kurt Barker for ISBE Award

Board Honors Willowbrook Music Teacher Kurt Barker for ISBE Award

On September 15, on behalf of the District 30 Board of Education, member Fred Sloneker presented Willowbrook School music teacher, Kurt Barker with a certificate of excellence for receiving the Award of Recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). To qualify for this award, Willowbrook Principal Scott Carlson nominated him, and four other individuals submitted letters of support. They included Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Melissa Hirsch, Board member Fred Sloneker, second grade teacher Ann Angel, and former student Sachin Patel. In addition, Mr. Barker had to submit a resume and his statement of philosophy.

Mr. Barker will attend the ISBE’s “Those Who Excel” Awards Banquet and Program on Saturday, October 22 in Normal, Illinois, where he will receive the Award of Recognition. The State Board annually bestows three levels of honor at its awards banquet: the Award of Excellence, the Award of Merit and the Award of Recognition.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Brian Wegley thanked Mr. Barker for “all that you bring to District 30. We are so proud to recognize your most deserved honor.”

Board of Education President Chuck Gitles congratulated Mr. Barker and stated that everyone is so proud to have him as an educator in District 30.

“The empowerment you bestow on your students is evident in every grade level show,” he added.

“His engagement with all of the children is tremendous,” said Mr. Sloneker.

Willowbrook School Principal Scott Carlson said that he was thrilled when he first heard about the award.

“Kurt’s success is a reflection of the whole teaching body. He always takes a leadership role by including the fine arts and physical education/wellness in his programming. His passion, creativity and talent as a teacher really shows!”

Mr. Carlson explained that Mr. Barker continually goes beyond the classroom to engage the school and District in myriad activities. When District 30’s kindergarten went to full-time, he made sure that integrative specials were initiated. He also works as a mentor in District 30’s Professional Development program, advising year two teachers on stretching goals.

For more information, contact Kurt Barker or Principal Scott Carlson at 847-498-1090, or Superintendent Dr. Brian Wegley at 847-498-4190.