Teacher recognition

As part of the win, South High School in Downers Grove will receive a $12,000 prize package.

Mamminga, a Geneva resident, was nominated by a parent. He is among 212 music teachers from 197 cities who were named quarterfinalists from more than 2,000 nominations. The nominees span kindergarten through college levels in both public and private schools nationwide.

Being on sabbatical and having speaking engagements scheduled across Illinois hasn’t kept Spanish teacher Kimberly Radostits from spending time in the halls of Oregon Junior-Senior High School.

Last June, 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year Kimberly Radostits began a year-long ambassadorship that allows her to travel throughout Illinois speaking to educators and education stakeholders. She recently was named a finalist for 2023 National Teacher of the Year.

Regional Office of Education 47's program to support parents and families hit by trauma or homelessness is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Hundreds of people came to show their support for Plainfield teacher Lynn Smith, who is fighting cancer, by greeting her at her home and creating a display of luminaries. Smith said the outpouring of support she and her family received “has been so wonderful.”

Oregon High School Spanish teacher Kimberly Radostits — known as Ms. Rad to most around her — was named one of five finalists for 2023 National Teacher of the Year.

Oregon High School Spanish teacher and 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year Kimberly Radostits has been nominated for and is a finalists 2023 National Teacher of the Year.

And the Illinois Education Association honored her efforts with an award