Hey St. Charles: Salute Your Favorite Teachers

In the late 1960s, a third-grader in the Fox Valley found a passion for reading, and soon was snapping up everything he could find, indiscriminately, trying to learn more about the world’s exotic places, surviving adventures vicariously.

In high school, this future journalist came across a one teacher in particular who inspired him to expand his reading horizons, to take up new genres, new authors — the likes of Hemingway, Ambrose Bierce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, George Bernard Shaw — among others. Don Haefliger has had a long career at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin, where he still teaches today.

Dedicated, passionate men and women like Don have helped shape the lives of those of us who were intrigued enough by their discipline, their passion to make choices that set the course for our lives.

Monday marks the start of national Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs May 6-10. Last week, St. Charles Patch posed to its Facebook fans:

“Who is your favorite St. Charles teacher? Who's the best ever?”

Today, we share readers’ responses.

Linda Koelman Robert DeVoss — Latin teacher MANY years ago.

Kelly Lewis Mrs. Stacey who I had as an English teacher at Wredling Middle School in 2000. I think she works at Thompson Middle School now. She was amazing and I will never forget her!

Samantha Brubaker Karen Edwards at fox ridge she does amazing work with those early childhood students and puts so much into it. We appreciate everything she does

Kim Caine Mr. Leavey

Marie Legenski My favorite teacher is Christy Mygrant at Thompson! She makes connections with students and teaches engaging lessons. Kids love her. Staff loves her. Everyone loves her. She is an asset to TMS!!

Tracy Paddy Mrs. Keller — Thompson Middle School.

Jane Ryan — Formerly of Davis Elementary School.

Becky Simmons — Formerly of Davis Elementary School.

Tracy Olson — Formerly of Davis Elementary School.

Kerri Russo — Formerly of Davis Elementary School.

All of these teachers inspired more than one of my children in their journey through CUSD303. It's harder when the kids get to the high school to name the teachers. However, I would say these teachers created pivotal years for my kids and the affects of the year together have carried through their entire school experience.

Mary Ann Wagener Campagna I have to agree with Katy Linn. Munhall Elementary School rocks. Each and every teacher goes way above and beyond for their students. Their dedication to their student is amazing!!

Jamie DeBeir Thompson middle school teachers go above and beyond in the face if transition and adversity time and again. They deserve every shout out they receive!!

Suzie Frank Thompson middle school teachers and counselors are the best around! Particularly Jamie DeBeir. Don't know where my family would be without her!

Kimber Coakley McCue Wow ... I have been in St. Charles since 1976. I started kindergarten at Wasco with Mrs. Peterson and ended my senior year with Mr. Rogina. I have had many amazing teachers in between. And now my kids have the pleasure of experiencing STC schools and I am happily subbing at Munhall!! I had Mrs. Viernow in second grade. She passed away soon after and I am sad that more children didn't get to experience her happy smile. Mrs. Milton and Mrs. Mohn rocked third grade! And Mrs. Harris helped me through a tough time in Fifth grade. Mr. Leavey (Haines, 8th grade) made me realize how cool history can be (and I still love it today) and Mr. Ratner, my freshman year Science teacher, should be awarded a medal of patience!! I thank all my teachers! You all inspired me to become a teacher! And I thank St. Charles for providing me with a great education and experience!! And it now continues with my boys!!

Holly Crossen Stephanie Turner was amazing with my son! She always went above and beyond and kept a sense of humor even with her most difficult kids. He loved every minute of early childhood with her! We were so lucky that he was with her for two years!

Jeanine Brown Sweeney Sherry Tjaden (Ferson Creek) has been great for our son.

Tonia Mowrer I couldn't be happier with Mrs. Nelson at Fox Ridge. She teaches preschool. And there were some good ones at Lincoln. And Wredling.

Stephanie Turner Awww Holly Crossen, I could cry!!! That's so so sweet!!! (-;

Casey Garza Murdough Loved mr. Ratner at East too, but Bob Horlock was the best ... miss him!

Chris Cokinos So many good teachers but Jane Ryan popped into my head first!!!

Ginny Sieck The teaching team at Lincoln Elementary School

April Mika Nozicka Robert Gregg, formerly from Davis School. Now can I list my least favorite? Someone very evil comes to mind.

Tara Lincoln Moffitt Deb Hackbarth — Wasco and the entire staff @ Swing Set Preschool!

Nancy Kuhn Garrison Everyone at Lincoln!

Heather Von Hoff Trask In '88 — Mr. Herbert at Davis school taught me many, many things. Including the fact that "Yeah, buts live in the woods." I was lucky to have him. I'm thrilled that my daughter has started her elementary career with an amazing teacher, Shelley Dashner at Bell-Graham School. I am amazed at all that she has accomplished with a large group of 5-6 yr olds. She has helped these kids blossom. It's so fun to watch.

Heather Von Hoff Trask And the staff at Hosanna! Preschool are fantastic at what they do. They make learning so much fun.

WANT TO ADD YOUR FAVORITE? Go ahead — give your applause to your favorite teacher in the comments section below!

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