Something really amazing happened to me over the summer, and I've had to keep it a secret for so long; I'm happy it's finally out there!
I was nominated by my awesome principal, Linda Fehrenbacher, for a State of IL "Those Who Excel" award in the classroom teacher category. This alone was an incredible honor... and a lot of paperwork!
I completed my application, which included about twelve pages of writing, plus letters of recommendation from my nominator, a fellow teacher, an administrator, a parent, and a student! It was a lot of work, but I was really excited to be selected from a whole bunch of truly awesome teachers in my district!
Over the summer, I received a phone call from my superintendent, saying that he had "good news to share." Imagine my surprise when he said that not only had I won an Award of Excellence from the state in the "Those Who Excel" awards, but I was a finalist for Teacher of the Year! Holy cow!
Last week, I took a solo road trip (three hours each way!) to Springfield, IL to be interviewed for the final selection. It involved a videotaped interview, and a conversation with a couple of really awesome past Teacher of the Year winners. Intimidating, yes, but I think I did ok!
I know whatever the turn out is (we find out on October 19th!), it is an amazing honor to have made it this far, and I am so grateful to be given this opportunity, and listed among this awesome group of fellow educators.
...but it also would be really sweet to win. :) Fingers crossed!
- Mrs L.
