CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — In light of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Regional Office of Education #11 awarded professionals from more than 30 Central Illinois school districts for modelling excellence in education.

Recipients were selected for the 5th Annual ROE #11 Recognition of Excellence Award through nominations throughout the region. Those nominations were reviewed by a committee, then narrowed down to one professional per school district. The award puts a spotlight on educational leaders for pre-K through 12th grade who show incredible skill and dedication to not only their schools, but their communities.

Most importantly, it rewards those who inspire a love of learning in a wide array of students.

“We are privileged to have so many outstanding school professionals within our region, passionate about the profession, and dedicated to our students,” Regional Superintendent Dr. Kyle Thompson said. “It’s an honor to recognize and validate their meaningful efforts. Education is truly a work-of-heart and these professionals work with relentless persistence, creativity, flexibility, and competence. Our students, schools, and communities benefit from their skills, knowledge, and compassion.”

Image provided by the Regional Office of Education #11.

The following professionals were selected for a 2024 ROE #11 Recognition of Excellence Award and certificate:

  • Arcola CUSD #306
    • Daniela Coombe
  • Arthur CUSD #305
    • Erin Beck
  • Bridges
    • Samantha Shores
  • Casey-Westfield CUSD #C-4
    • Jennifer Harris
  • Central A&M CUSD #21
    • Marcia Berg
  • Charleston CUSD #1
    • Dr. Todd Vilardo
  • Cowden-Herrick CUSD #3A
    • Kerrie Coughlin
  • Cumberland CUSD #77
    • Laura Light
  • EIASE
    • Kathy McKirahan
  • Edgar County CUSD #6
    • Shannon Ellis 
  • Kansas CUSD #3
    • Anne Happ
  • Marshall CUSD #C-2
    • Kathy Reynolds
  • Martinsville CUSD #C-3
    • Jenny Williams
  • Mattoon CUSD #2
    • Tammy Munyon
  • Mid-America Preparatory School
    • Rick Allen
  • Neoga CUSD #3
    • Seth James
  • Oakland CUSD #5
    • Julie Findley
  • Okaw Valley CUSD #302
    • Ross Forlines
  • Paris CUSD #4
    • Chelsea McCain
  • Paris Cooperative High School
    • Jody Smith
  • Paris Union #95
    • Casey Pinnell
  • Shelbyville CUSD #4
    • Sarah Tomlin
  • Shiloh CUSD #1
    • Kendra Saddoris
  • Stewardson-Strasburg CUSD #5A
    • Sherra Johnson
  • St. John’s Lutheran School
    • Nina Curry
  • St. Michael School
    • Linda Buscher
  • Sullivan CUSD #300
    • Lori Kirk
  • Tuscola CUSD #301
    • Christy Hoel
  • Trinity Lutheran School
    • Diane Jack
  • Villa Grove CUSD #302
    • Angie Schable
  • Windsor CUSD #1
    • Mike Haddock