Kane County Regional Office of Education (ROE) held the 46th Annual Educator of the Year awards April 29. The ceremony and dinner brought an evening of celebration and excitement which included the naming of Jillian Yaggie, District 302, Kaneland John Shields Elementary kindergarten teacher, as Educator of the Year.
All the educational professionals who were nominated play an active and useful role in their communities as well as in the schools, and often distinguish themselves as leaders. Their most important quality they share is their ability to inspire the love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Listed below are the educational professionals who received honors in their respective categories as Educator of the Year:
• Regional Superintendent Award: Juan Figueroa, Elgin High School, District U-46;
• Early Career Educator Award: Danielle Sheppard, St. Charles North High School, District 303;
• Elementary/Early Childhood Teacher: Barbara Spence, Grace McWayne Elementary, Batavia, District 101;
• Middle School Teacher: Suzanne Satterfield, Kaneland Harter Middle School, Sugar Grove, District 302;
• High School Teacher: Patricia Sampson, West Aurora High School, District 129;
• Educational Service Personnel Award: Thomas Poulin, St. Charles North High School, District 303;
• Student Support Personnel Award: Tracy Warwick, Fred Rogers Magnet Academy, Aurora, District 131;
• School Administrator: Dr. Sarah Mumm, Kaneland School District, District 302;
Regional superintendent, Patricia Dal Santo, on the Educator of the Year experience, “This is a night we celebrate the years of education, leadership, assistance, and inspiration in our schools and for our students. We honor the hours spent, by all educational professionals, dedicated to engaging students and inspiring young minds of the future.”
After thanking many who have inspired and influenced her educational career, Jillian Yaggie said, “I like to thank my students; they make every day a better day. I lead all my student’s with love. If I can give them all a safe space, this is what I want to do for them.”
—Kane County Regional Office of Education (Kane ROE)