Teacher of the Month nominations
for the school year of 2009 - 2010 has ended.
We will begin the new school year awards in August.
Send us your nominations
for your favorite and most outstanding Teachers!
Winners of the "Teacher of the Month" receive $100 from Home State Bank
Click here to fill out the On-Line
Nomination Form Teacher of the Month is chosen by your stories and not the number of nominations. We want to know why you believe your teacher deserves this award, so please tell us in a paragraph what it is about your teacher that makes him/her so special! Home State Bank & Star 105.5
Wish to Congratulate the 2009 - 2010
"Teacher of the Year" Ms. Michelle Soland
of Westfield Community School - Algonquin
All Teachers selected as Teacher of the Month will be considered for the "Teacher of the Year" award at the end of the 2009-2010 School year.
The Teacher selected as "Teacher of the Year" will receive a free Laptop computer courtesy of STAR 105.5 in conjunction with Home State Bank!
2009 - 2010 "Teacher of the Year"
Michelle Soland 2009 - 2010
TEACHER OF THE YEAR Pictured are (left to right) Westfield Communtiy School Principal Bill Doran, Michelle Soland, District 300 Superintendent Ken Arndt, Judy McNally Nominator and her daughter Kailey, Ms. Soland's student and Kailey's brother Kyle.
Jen Martinez of Home State Bank presents Michelle Soland with the Home State Bank & Star105.5 '2009 - 2010 Teacher of the Year' award.
As the 'Teacher of the Year' Michelle Soland recieved a Certificate and a Laptop from Star 105.5 & Home State Bank. Pictured are Jen Martinez of Home State Bank, Michelle Soland and Doug Boyd Sales Manager of Star 105.5. Intendance for the presentation with Michelle Soland were the Westfield Community School Principal Bill Doran and District 300 Super Intendent Ken Arndt.
Many of Ms. Solands Students attend the Award presentation.
Michelle Soland and her colleague's from Westfield Community School .
May "Teacher of the Month"
Mr. Matthew Green of Richmond-Burton Community High School was awarded the Home State Bank & STAR 105.5 May "Teacher of the Month" award. He is pictured with some of his students.
Mr. Matthew Green was joined by Richmond-Burton High School staff, left to right, Dean of Students Heather Landrus, Principal Tom Dubois and Asst Principal Tom Lind.
Mr. Green and his wife Laura Green
Mr. Matthew Greens students presented him with a Card.
We recieved many letters nominating Mr. Green from his students:
Jon Smith: Mr. Green is the best teacher I have ever had, he taught me so much I think I have the highest grade I have ever had in English because of him.
Kurt: He has showed me how ti enjoy being at school, enjoy the teaching fo English in a different way, and most of all being a supporter of my own writings.
Shannon Talles: he's one of those teachers that can get completely off topic and end up teaching you more than you would've learned in the first place. He teaches us life lessons every day.
Ashley Thirtyacre: For six years Mr. Green has been teaching the students of RBCHS the fundamentals of English, as well as teaching sutdents to be responsible for turning in their work by due dates by runnign both the newspaper committee at my school as well as the Journalism class which is responsible for making the School Yearbook. he loves to share with students his enthusiasm for poetry and Shakepeare. There's always something fun going on in his class.
Morgan: he is a great teacher who diserves this award, more then anyone because he is the nicest teacher on the planet. He keeps all his students in line....
Adam Curtis: Mr. Green is a special teacher that knows how to connect with students. I learned more in his English III class that I had in any given class up until and after his. Mr. Green teaches because it's a passion and thats what makes him a spectacular teacher.
Zack Cemail: He deserves to be teacher of the month because he has been an stellar teacher... he has tought me how to make proper MLA formatting and has increased my vocabulary and is now preping me for my ACT's. He is a great teacher!
Riley Stanton: he's a great teacher and all the students love him.
Ashley Banner: Mr. green is the Best. Everyday is something new. he's funny and makes everything all the more better.
April "Teacher of the Month"
Home State Banks Donna Belser presents Mr. Brian Brill of Woodstock North High School with Home State Banks & STAR 105.5's April "Teacher of the Month" award. along with Home State Banks Gina Steallard (right) & Joe Starzynski.
Mr. Brian Brill is congratulated by Brian McAdow Principal of Woodstock North High School and also by Gina Stellard & Donna Besler of Home State Bank.
Mr. Brian Brill April "Teacher of the Month" along with Mrs. Brill & their daughter Kristen.
Mr. Brill with Students past & present.
Mr. Brill is retiring this year and is obviously a favorite teacher at Woodstock North High School and he will be missed. Normally we would put a copy of the nomination letter recieved on this page but due to the large number of nomination letters we recieved, 33, we can only put a line of two from each.
Kathleen Eigenfeld: Herr Brillis easliy the BEST teacher I've ever had, and many will agree with me. He truly taught me how to speak German well, and understand a lot about my heritage.
Christine Krieger: Herr Brill makes learning a second language fun and interesting. He will always be a part of our lives no matter where he goes or what he decides to do.
Joseph Stack: He has inspired many including myself, he is the reason why I am going to become a teacher.
Sandy Deager: Great patients with kids - makes learning fun for them and just an all around wonderful person who deserves to win such an honor.
Eric Provist: He cares about his students more than anything and is extremely proficient in his craft. His love for his profession is obvious.
Chris Larson: "Herr Brill" worked tirelessly to develope the German language program --- now one of the finest in the state. His students enjoy every minute of his classes, which deftly combine elements of the German culture with immersion in the nitty-gritty of learning a foreign language.
Jaren Berg: He cultivates an interest and passion for German language and culture.
Kandice Hammer: He always makes class worth while and pays attention to all his students with such consideration.
Brandon Peart: He has been an inspiration to all students over the years and had an impact on all of our lives.
Justin Drawz: He really inspired me to go out and experience life. He really knows how to spot potential and ignite that fire within the student.
Nick Chiluk: He has a great sense of humor and was my all time favorite teacher.
Rachel Nomm: He teaches us that we are smart empowered individuals that can accomplish anything if we want to and encourages us to keep learning. Vielen dank Herr Brill for everything. I'll always remember my time in your class.
Amanda Guigli: Hes someone who is always there if we need help in school.
Sarah Carneke: I don't think I could find a student who doesn't love him! He is the kind of teacher you consider family!
Sarah Ring: Herr Brill truly cares about his students and how they are doing in school and in life in general.
Alexis Camen: He is so caring for the students and loves to make learning fun.
Harrison Kuras: It has been almost 4 years since my last class of his, and I still know him to be a great man and a great teacher. As a prospective future teacher, I hope to one day excel as much as he has.
Ariana: The passion he has for teaching his students the German language is showcased every single day. I graduated almost 4 years ago and still consider him one of the best instructors I've ever had.
Marie Damien: He is the funniest nicest teacher ever and he always encourages us to learn and achieve our goals.
Cassie Johnson: Makes class fun and entertaining, and knows how to teach in many ways for everyone to understand.
Abby Huntley: He is the universal favorite of everyone who takes his class. He teaches not only German, but morals and life lessons.
David Bruchsaler: One of the best teachers let alone person I have ever met.
Katie Wright: He recongnizes every strength and gently kneads out ever weakness. He never fails to put a smile on our faces as well as instilling a true ambition to learn in our hearts.
Mikey Wrobleski: He's the best teacher ever! He makes learning fun, and hes absolutely funny!
Cole Konopka: I sincerely consider him a mentor, both educationally and personally. Even now, three years after graduating high school (one year abroad in Germany and two years at a university), his effects stay freshly imprinted on my thoughts.
Brianna Hess: He is a selfless man and teacher, he truly loves his students and the language he teaches. Mr. Brill is the kind of person who would never ask for anything for himslef, he is truly humble.
Sarah Furst: My family hosted three exchange students and this is all possible because of Herr Brill.
Jessica Roberts: He makes me want to learn as much as I can everyday and really understand the German language.
Korinne Griffith: If anyone deserves this award it is Herr Brill. He will be retiring this year after over 35 years of teaching and inspiring students!
Greg Garnand: German was not a class but more of a break in my day where I just happened to learn another language. Ask any student what they think of him and you will hear nothing but good things of references to stories like "how to order two hot dogs" or a personal favorite of mine "tandaradei".
Rheanon Clemons: Stories of Herr Brill's classes reached me when I was taking Spanish 1 and 2 in high school and actually caused me to switch to German just so I could have a class with him and I must say, I was not disappointed.
Leland Humbertson: Brill is an educator who knows what his students can achieve, even if they haven't realized it for themselves. He encourages, he nurtures, and he offers a sense of humor that makes his students want to offer nothing but their very best work in his classes. A remarkable man and the one largely responsible for bolstering Woodstock's German classes from only a few dozen to over 400 students during his time at the district. A letter from his daughter: I may be a bit biased since Mr. Brill is my father; however I know the impact he has had on the students at WHS/WNHS in the 10 years he has been here.
In 2000, when he first started teaching at Woodstock, the German program had 52 students in it now it has 400. He treats his students with respect and sees their potential and continues to push them and makes sure they are always striving for their best.
While being at Woodstock for only a short time, he has accomplished many great things. He started taking his students to Germany in 2002 and has since made it a yearly trip. It first started out as a tour, now it has grown to an exchange which he started. The exchange program is with two cities in Germany: Garmish Parkinkirche and Schongau. Each year around 20 students from each town come over and explore Woodstock and the surrounding area, during the summer is when the students from Woodstock go over. Many of my dad's students have gone to college to pursue international business or other fields in which they are able to use their German skills. Three of his students have won the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange award which is a full year, work study scholarship with a strong focus on cultural exchange in Germany.
I had my dad when I was in high school being that at the time he was the only German teacher. His enthusiasm for German, language and culture is addicting. His stories from all his trips leave you wanting to know more. His personal interest in the lives of ALL his students is something not every teacher does. I have found that when a teacher takes a personal interest in someone, they are more ape to pay attention and to give back, so to say, to the teacher and become more a active participant in class. This is why the German program is so successful at WNHS, Herr Brill and Herr Walsdorf do these things. It is truly hard to find a teacher like them, one that will impact your life forever and one that you can remain in contact with years after graduation.
My dad likes to go under the radar on things. He hates public attention for his accomplishments, which is why I'm writing this letter. Not everyone knows all the time and effort he has put into the German program. While he is retiring come June, you can still find him at the high school seven days a week. Most teachers would be riding the year out. My dad fully deserves this award for everything he has done, and will continue to do. He has been a teacher for so long, it is in his nature, and Woodstock North High School has become his second home. I know he can't stay away for too long. So while you may be sad that he is retiring, he will be back, so look forward to it.
Dad - I love you and you totally derserve this!!
March "Teacher of the Month"
Gina Stallard of Home State Bank presents Vince Malek of Marian Central Catholic High School with the Home State Bank & Star 105.5 March "Teacher of the Month" Award.
Vince Malek of Marian Central Catholic High School is the Home State Bank & Star 105.5 March "Teacher of the Month". He is joined by his students Amanda Salvi & Tommy Frederick.
Vince Malek of Marian Central Catholic High School is the Home State Bank & Star 105.5 March "Teacher of the Month". He is joined by Gina Stallard of Home State Bank & his Student Amanda Salvi.
Mr. Malek had 3 nominations: #1
He teaches Chemistry honors and an A.P. course as well, and no one had ever complained about him. If he makes a mistake such as, hole punching the wrong side of the paper, he always feels terrible until we tell him noboby really minds. He always has a positive attituded such as calling tests "celebrations of knowledge" . He teaches at a pace where everyone is able to follow along, and if anyone needs extra help he will get to school as early as needed to help them and stay as late after school until the person understands what they are haveing difficulty with. He is aloways smiling and full of joy :) He's a wonderful teacher as well as a wonderful human being.
Anabella
#2
Mr. Malek is the Chemistry teacher at Marian and he makes chemistry so wonderful. Looking at him you immediately think of Mr. Rogers. He's the cutest old man with different sweaters every day. He gets to school around 5 or 5:30 in the morning and doesn't leave until 4 or 5 at night. he always has test graded the night you take them, usually by 6pm. He teaches us so well, making sure we fully understand EVERYTHING. He gives up pep talks before and aftertests to tell us that we're a wonderful bunch of students, which is really awesone because most teachers just tell you that you did terrible on a test and you feel awful. He reassures you that it wa just a hard test and you're still an amazing student. It's nice to have support in your school work. Also if a lot of us do poorly on a test, he feels that it was probably a lot of his fault for not teaching well enough. What teacher does that? He's the teacher everyone comes back to see when they graduate. He's so nice and will help you with anything. And he loves to tell jokes, most of which aren't funn, but coming from him, they're hysterical. He always reminds us to "focus like a laser beam." He really is an amazing teacher.
Jenna Maksymiak
#3
He is so polite and always helps us as much as he can! He is amazing at teaching and never gets angry. When some of his students start to goof off, he simply asks us, 'are you focusing like a lazer beam?' It is easy to see that Mr. Malek loves to teach and wants to teach us as much as he can. He even keeps us happy when we take tests by calling them "celebrations of knowledge!"
Amanda Salvi
February Teacher of the Month
Kathy Monteleone presenting Steve Hall ofImmanuel Lutheran School in East Dundee with the
'February Teacher of the Month' award.
Mr. Steve Hall far surpasses any teacher that I have ever had. I was in his seventh and eight grade English class where I learned that English class can be fun if the teacher makes it that way. He teaches with a firm but fair attitude. He not only seeks to expnad students knowledge of the English language but also incorporates lessons about life. He was always approachable in and out of the classroom. This year, my younger brother gets the privilege of learning under the direction of this awesome teacher. During this month, he is teaching them how to effectively speak publically which will be beneficial as they progress through school and life. Now that I am in college and taking communications classes I have realized the lessons he taught from grammatical competence to lessons on life have made me a stronger student. He is the best example of a dedicated teacher that I know.
Bridget Mooney
Pictured are Steve Hall, Home State Banks & Star 105.5 "February Teacher of the Month" Bridget Mooney (center) and Home State Bank Representative Kathy Monteleone.
Steve Hall with Immanuel Lutheran School of East Dundee Principal Ken Becker
Steve Hall February Teacher of the Month pictured with Students and Friends.
Jaunary Teacher of the Month
Pictured are Kelli Kanaly (left) First Grade Teacher at Zion Lutheran School in Marengo, Michele Hellyer, nominated Miss Kanaly (center), Gina Stellard of Home State Bank and Raina Kellyer Miss Kanaly student.
Miss Kanaly was born to teach. She demonstrates such a wonderful balance of innovative and traditional education. She implements many creative events into the students year such as Paeyton the Penguin, where a stuffed penguin spends a week with the child. Each day or each significant event with Paeyton, the child draws a picture and writes a sentence telling what they did together. My daughter is in first grade with Miss Kanaly and even though we are in the second quarter of school, she still comes home inspired and excited to tell me about her day. Miss Kanaly does a great job keeping the parents involved with joint assignments and even has one special guest each week come in to read to the kids. It can be a mom, dad, grandparent or aunt/uncle. We all feel part of the class and she displays the passion and heartfelt love of teaching that I feel should be recognized. If you were to ask each parent to vote, they would all say definately! Also, I believe all students who have been in her class will at one point of their life remember the great experience and maybe be inspired to also become a teacher to mirror her example.
Michele Hellyer
Pictured are Miss Kanaly and her students past & present.
Pictured are Miss Kelli Kanaly (center), Mr. Bill Steltehpohl Principal Zion Lutheran School and Gina Stellard of Home State Bank.
December Teacher of the Month
Kathy Monteleone of Home State Bank presents Gary Swick of Dundee Crown High School with the December 'Teacher of the Month' award.
Gary is a teacher that cares very much for the enviroment and his students. He was one of my teachers in high school and now he is one of my son's teachers. He is going to retire next year and if any teacher in Illinois deserves this award he does. I started high school in 1975 and I heard the other students talking about this teacher and what a great teacher he was, and my son says it is the same way today 34 years later. He has been given every kind of award for his care of our enviroment. But never for the great teacher he has been for over 30 years. If any teacher deserves it this one does! Thanks.
Ron Mabe
Pictured with Gary Swick are (left to right) Gail Blanchard Counsellor at Dundee Crown, Gary, Liz Wood Teacher at Dundee Crown & Kathy Monteleone of Home State Bank.
Pictured are (left to right) Barbara Sydnor Science Divisional at Dundee Crown, Gary Swick & Kathy Monteleone of Home State Bank.
November Teacher of the Month
Stacey Kubis of Home State Bank presents Wendy Kirk a First Grade teacher at Ringwood Elementary in Johnsburg with the November 'Teacher of the Month' award.
As told by Gabrielle, in Gabrielle's words:
She has a bunny and it comes to school! if we sit on the rug criss cross applesauce and with our hands hooked up we may get a treat! Mrs. Kird is so nice. She calls us friends and gives us hugs. She reads us funny books, I love to listen to them! Mrs. Kirk tells us stories about her kids & her baby Mila, she has red hair. She teached me how to read! Now I can read my special Mermaid book! I couldn't read in Kindergarten, but now I can read chapters! Cool! Now I know some of the words my mom spells on the phone. I just love Mrs. Kirk, I think she is the greatest and bestest teacher ever!
Gabrielle Shedbalkar-Harden
Mrs. Kirk has been a wonderful teacher & role model to my daughter. She has an awesome teaching style. She is kind hearted, soft spoken and at the same time has an ability to get concepts across in a way that the kids understand. She brings out the best in the kids and making them want to learn, try new things and be good "Citizens" in school. Mrs. Kirk really is an inspiration.
Yazi Shedbalkar
Pictured are Wendy Kirk November Teacher of the Month, Gabrielle Shedbalkar-Harden the student that nominated Mrs. Kirk and Stacey Kubis of Home State Bank.
Pictured are Wendy Kirk, November "Teacher of the Month Cathy Neiss Principal of Ringwood Elementary School in Johnsburg and Stacey Kubis of Home State Bank.
Wendy Kirk is pictured here with her family and Stacey Kubis.
October Teacher of the Month
Joe DeMay from Home State Bank presents Michelle Soland of Westfield Community School in Algonquin with the October 'Teacher of the Month' award.
pictured are Joe DeMay from Home State Bank along with Michelle Soland, Bill Doran Principal of Westfield Community School and Ms Soland's student Kailey McNally.
Ms Soland is pictured with some of her current students
Ms Soland was suprised by many of her past and present students arrival for her award presentation of October "Teacher of the Month"
Michelle Soland Pictured with Joe DeMay from Home State Bank, her daughter Amy Soland and Don Soland
1) Ms. Michelle Soland is the most caring and generous teacher I have ever known. She organizes fundraisers for local families who need financial assistance to pay for cancer treatments. She uses her own personal funds to purchase workbooks for children who need extra help in school. She buys hot lunches for children who do not have a enough money on their cards to purchase food. she is currently using her own funds and time to put together a new reading program for the children in the entire school. Ms Soland is an unbelievable person and truly deserves some sort of recognition for everything she has done and continues to do. I feel she is a fantastic candidate for Home State Bank & Star105.5's Teacher of the Month.
Judi McNally
September "Teacher of the Month"
Pictured left to right: Doug Boyd, Star 105.5 Sales Manager, Edie Williams our September "Teacher of the Month" Amanda DiFucci, Ms. Williams Student, and Joe Demay of Home State Bank
Edie Williams Star 105.5 & Home State Banks September "Teacher of the Month" & Joe Demay of Home State Bank.
Sheryl Pauwels, Asst Principal, Edie Williams, Alice Stech, Conley Elementary Principal, Sara DiFucci, Amanda's Mother, Mr. Terry Awrey Associate Superintendant & Amanda DiFucci.
Edie Williams, Center & her Parents
Edie Williams with past & present students.
Having a student with autism who is reluctant to accept changes and can become confoused, anxious and sometimes emotionally meltdown when routines or situations change is challenging for any teacher. As a parent of a child with autism, at the beginning of each school year I too become stressed wondering if my daughter's teacher can rise to the challenge. Ms. Williams exceeded every expectation I had of the perfect teacher and is someone that I will always remember having a major impact on my daughters life. When talking with other parents of non-disabled children in her classroom is was clear that I wasn't the only one who felt Ms. Williams' celebration of every gain. Every day in 4th grade was a new adventure and she made learning fun. It was clear to me that my daughter felt her energy instantly, intuitively. She saw past the challenges my daughter brought and focused on her unique gifts. Ms Williams was born to teach and I am profoundly grateful to her to have chosen her gift as her profession.
Joe Cicero Weekdays 5a-10a
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