District 303's Byrne Named Illinois Teacher of the Year Finalist

Melissa Byrne, a sixth grade language arts teacher at , was recently named a finalist for 2011-2012 Illinois Teacher of the Year, according to District 303 officials.

“I’m thrilled and humbled to be named a finalist,” Byrne said in a statement. “This is an honor that also belongs to our staff at Haines Middle School because our success as a school begins with collaboration and focus on instruction.”

In the classroom, Byrne has used technology to help enhance her instruction, according to the district. During one lesson, she used Skype, a Internet phone and video conferencing service, to set up a dialogue between one of the subjects of the book Freedom Writers and her class.

Byrne is in her sixth year with . She has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is working on a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.

The winner of the nine finalists will be announced on Oct. 22.