Willowbrook Music Teacher Kurt Barker Receives ISBE “Those Who Excel” Award on October 22

Mr. Barker, his wife Kristine Barker and Willowbrook Principal Scott Carlson attended the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE “Those Who Excel” Awards Banquet and Program on Saturday, October 22

in Normal, Illinois, where he received 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.

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.

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.