Wheaton teacher in running for $1M prize

WHEATON – A great teacher can make a world of difference in the life of a child.

And, if accolades are to be believed, Wheaton has one of the best.

Jacki Lopushonsky, a fourth- and fifth-grade special education teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, is in the running for the $1 million Varkey GEMS Foundation Global Teacher Prize.

The international award is given to an "innovative and caring teacher who has made an inspirational impact on their students and their community," according to the prize's website.

Lopushonsky was recently named one of the top 50 finalists for the honor, chosen from 5,000 nominations and 1,300 applications from 127 countries. There are 16 finalists in the United States and three in Illinois.

"She takes a very personal interest in the children – she's very positive with them," said Lincoln fourth-grade teacher Cynthia Kennard. "She recognizes their strengths first and helps them build them, then goes to the areas where they need improvement."

Lopushonsky's small classroom is packed to the brim with books, pictures of students and handmade posters.

There, she works with small groups of children with special needs and behavioral issues on reading and math.

Together, they explore the world – studying Italian Renaissance artists and becoming pen pals with students in Uganda. Lopushonsky shares stories of her travels training teachers across Africa and India.

She said she loves working with the students who face the most challenges.

"They really make you feel like you did something," she said. "I've been accused of teaching too strenuous of material [...] but I believe that any child can do anything."

Former Lincoln principal Kathy DeMarzo said Lopushonsky's trademarks are two-fold – unending enthusiasm and limitless creativity.

"She is an outside of the box thinker, and her lessons reflect that," DeMarzo said. "She believes in high expectations for all students, and doesn't regard any kinds of handicaps – nothing should stand in the way of a child's success."

DeMarzo said Lopushonsky's dedication gives children a positive adult figure who believes in them.

But the most ringing endorsements come from her students.

"I hated writing so much that I would abbreviate almost every word I wrote," said fifth-grader Garrett Cobley. "Now, I can write five paragraphs."

Lopushonsky will find out if she is among the top 10 contestants in mid-February. If she makes the cut, she will be invited to the award ceremony at the Global Education and Skills Forum on March 16 in Dubai.