Four District 58 educators receive Outstanding Teacher Awards

Submitted by District 58.

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club honored four District 58 educators with an Outstanding Teacher Award during a special ceremony on Friday, Feb. 27. This award recognizes area teachers who demonstrate excellence in education.

“All four of these teachers exhibit exceptional dedication to their students and profession. I am so proud of them and happy that they’ve been recognized for their good work,” said Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli.

Congratulations to this year’s District 58 Outstanding Teacher Award recipients!

• Christine Balagtas, fifth grade teacher at Pierce Downer School, nominated by Madeline Riske, current student
  
• Kathryn Chick, sixth grade teacher at Fairmount School, nominated by Catherine Lestina, former student and senior at South High School
  
• Diana Rhoades, second grade teacher at Lester School, nominated by Braden Filip, current student
  
• Kathleen Tice, third grade teacher at Indian Trail School, nominated by Molly Clinnin, former student and senior at South High School
  

Any area student could nominate a teacher for an Outstanding Teacher Award. Students wrote brief essays describing how their teacher is truly “outstanding.”

“We were impressed by the submissions and each story that highlighted local teachers who have made a difference in their lives and exemplified the highest standards of excellence in their profession,” said Kelsey Austin, president of the DG Junior Woman’s Club. “Encouraging excellence in education continues to be part of our club’s mission, and we are honored to recognize the achievements of both teachers and students throughout the school year.”

This year’s Outstanding Teachers truly share a passion for teaching.

For example, when asked what she liked most about teaching, Tice said, “What I like most about teaching is my students. I love creating excitement for learning. Watching children learn and grow throughout the year is very rewarding. I also love their energy and enthusiasm. It’s a challenging job where I am constantly learning new things!”

“I love being able to see it in kids’ faces when something ‘clicks’ for them, when I know they understand and feel good about it and themselves,” Rhoades added.

For more information about the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club and its Outstanding Teacher Awards program, please visit www.dgjwc.org/awards.

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