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July 15, 2025

Shaw Local

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Thank You, Teachers

A tribute to education's local heroes

My Suburban Life/Shaw Local News Network

Photos: My Suburban Life's 2025 Tribute to Teachers

Photos: My Suburban Life's 2025 Tribute to Teachers

Some of our favorite photos from our special Thank You Teachers edition at My Suburban Life featuring some amazing educators.

By Sandy Bressner●

May 08, 2025 at 7:40 am CDT

Westmont’s Leann Philgren worked in corporate America. Then she found her calling as special ed teacher, coach

Westmont’s Leann Philgren worked in corporate America. Then she found her calling as special ed teacher, coach

Leann Philgren worked in corporate America out of college. Then she found her calling as a special education teacher and coach, which took the Chicago native to Westmont. Philgren has been there ever since.

By Joshua Welge●

May 08, 2025 at 6:54 am CDT

Nazareth teacher followed in dad’s footsteps, enjoys the challenges math offers

Nazareth teacher followed in dad’s footsteps, enjoys the challenges math offers

Nazareth Academy math teacher credits her father for inspiring career

By Steve Metsch●

May 27, 2025 at 11:51 am CDT

Montini’s theater director inspired by student growth during a production

Montini’s theater director inspired by student growth during a production

Montini Catholic High School theater director Jackie Martin also teaches an honors theater class, which includes more technical skills and further delves into acting techniques.

By Cathy Janek, Shaw Local News Network correspondent●

May 08, 2025 at 12:05 am CDT

Thank You Teacher Letters 2025: Suburban Life

Thank You Teacher Letters 2025: Suburban Life

Read our letters submitted by students and parents to Suburban Life for our 2025 Thank You Teachers special edition

By Kate Santillan●

May 08, 2025 at 12:05 am CDT

Lyons Township PE teacher ‘won the lottery’ when she returned to alma mater

Lyons Township PE teacher ‘won the lottery’ when she returned to alma mater

A former Lyons Township High School student and athlete considers herself lucky to teach at her alma mater

By Cathy Janek●

May 08, 2025 at 12:05 am CDT

Golden Apple finalist found a home at Albright Middle School

Golden Apple finalist found a home at Albright Middle School

Albright Middle School Principal Gerrie Aulisa is one of six finalists for the 2025 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership in Illinois.

By Cathy Janek●

May 08, 2025 at 12:05 am CDT

Thank you, teachers

We all have a close friend or teacher in our family. They are the ones who you just knew from a young age they would go into the field. They wanted to share their love for knowledge, reading, history, math or other subject close to their heart. They had an affinity for helping youngsters, or maybe those who needed special attention or care. Today, we thank those teachers for the work they do to prepare the next generation for life. We thank them for their long hours of work after the school day ends, or for sometimes dipping into their own pocketbook to make sure a student has lunch money or a jacket on a cold day. Thank You, Teachers is our way of recognizing the value of these educators in our lives.

Thank you teachers

Golden Apple finalist ‘speechless’ about news of distinction

Golden Apple finalist ‘speechless’ about news of distinction

Downers Grove North chemistry teacher will miss students’ energy, curiosity

Downers Grove North chemistry teacher will miss students’ energy, curiosity

Physical fitness, wellness the focus for Downers Grove North PE teacher

Physical fitness, wellness the focus for Downers Grove North PE teacher

Glenbard East teacher sells students on entrepreneurship

Glenbard East teacher sells students on entrepreneurship

Wheaton Warrenville South teacher brings ‘coach-like mentality’ to the classroom

Wheaton Warrenville South teacher brings ‘coach-like mentality’ to the classroom

Recognizing students’ humanity top priority for Glenbard East teacher

Recognizing students’ humanity top priority for Glenbard East teacher