Anthony Zilis

“Ms. Kauffman is one of a kind,” Arthur Grade School Principal Andrew Peralta said. “We always joke that a person can't genuinely be that nice, but Ms.

Lee spent 20 years as an agricultural journalist before making a career pivot.

In her third year as Prairieview-Ogden South Elementary's reading and math interventionist, Tressica Jeffers is already making an impact. What she enjoys most, though, isn't necessarily teaching her students. It's giving them a place where they can feel safe and heard.

“Jess consistently goes above and beyond to create an engaging, safe, and supporting learning environment,” principal Heather Jacobs said.

"Ryley creates a warm and safe learning environment where her students thrive,” principal Trevor Nadrozny said. “She is thoughtful about incorporating her student’s interests into her lessons. Ms. Edmonson is

“Simply put, it is fun being in Mrs. Miller's class, but she also expects a lot out of her students,” principal Heather Lindenmeyer said. “She works tirelessly to ensure that

Two years ago, Josh McQuaid decided to make a career change. For a decade, he was a full-time chef, most of which he spent working for Hendrick House on the

"She has a way of making math approachable for all students," principal Chad Benedict said. "And let’s be honest — it’s hard not to smile when you’re around Ms. Boz.

After teaching music lessons to pay her way through two degrees at University of Illinois, Tamra Gingold began working in the Urbana School District, where she’s taught for the last

Serita Palmer has taught kindergarteners at Booker T. Washington STEAM Academy for the last eight years.