COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ALUMNI AWARDS
Redbird Educators who soar above and beyond
By Shelby Hodel
Every year, the College of Education hosts multiple award programs that honor educators who demonstrate excellence in education and carry on the Illinois State legacy of “Gladly we learn and teach.” These honors recognize alumni who serve to inspire others through their career, citizenship, and character.
Teacher of the Year Awards
The Teacher of the Year nominees are Illinois State alumni who have worked in education for at least 10 years and demonstrate outstanding commitment to their students, school, and community.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The Teacher of the Year Awards recognize teacher education alumni across the University and Laboratory Schools faculty associates who are committed to teaching and are excelling in the classroom.
WINNER AND FINALISTS
(Left to right)
Carl Nelson ’07 is a history teacher at Walden Grove High School. Amy Cavanaugh ’07 is an English teacher at Lincoln-Way East High School. Brad Marcy ’09, M.S. ’17, (WINNER) is a history and social science teacher at LeRoy High School. Tiffany Iwinski ’08 is a general music and orchestra teacher for Orland School District 135. Mark Iwinski ’07 is the director of bands at Victor J. Andrew High School.
LEGACY TEACHER AWARD
The Legacy Teacher Award is a career lifetime achievement award for Illinois State alumni who are current and retired educators that have taught for at least 20 years.
WINNER AND FINALISTS
(Left to right)
Carolina Bustamante ’05 is a Spanish/English teacher and Spanish Department chair at Infinity Math, Science, and Technology High School. Shawna Beam-Axline ’97 is a social studies teacher at Peoria Central High School. Nancy Powell ’74, M.S. ’90, (WINNER) is a retired mathematics teacher who taught at Bloomington High School. April Schermann ’02 (WINNER) is a mathematics and computer science teacher at Normal West High School. Timothy Loest ’85 is a retired band director who taught at F.E. Peacock Middle School.
LABORATORY SCHOOLS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The Laboratory Schools Teacher of the Year recognizes outstanding educators who teach at Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School and University High School.
WINNER AND FINALISTS
(Left to right)
Amy Schumacher is a fourth-grade teacher at Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School. Kristi Sutter ’13 is an instructional facilitator at Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School. David Harnish (WINNER) is a social studies teacher at University High School. Amy Reiman ’08, M.S. ’13, is an English teacher at University High School. Katherine Smith ’10 is a mathematics teacher at University High School.