District 214 Educators Excel in State Board of Education’s Award Program

            Three Township High School District 214 educators will be among 180 educators to be honored at the Illinois State Board of Education’s 39th annual Those Who Excel/Teacher of the Year banquet on Saturday, Oct. 19. Of the seven nomination categories, District 214 entered nominees in three and garnered recognition in each.

            In the Early Career Educator Award category, Elk Grove High School English teacher Alexa Rodheim will receive the top honor, Award of Excellence. The second highest honor, Award of Merit, will be given to both Elk Grove High School Spanish teacher Linda Ashida, Classroom Teacher category, and recently retired Associate Superintendent of Finance and Operations Deb Parenti, School Administrator category.

            “I am pleased that the ISBE is recognizing these outstanding educators for their accomplishments,” said Superintendent Dave Schuler. “Their contributions to Elk Grove High School and the school district are commendable, and it is due to educators like them that our students are achieving at such high levels of success.”

            A committee of peers, organized through the ISBE, chose the award winners. The committee represents statewide education organizations and includes former award winners. Of the awards given, 46 recipients will receive the Award of Excellence and 55 recipients will receive the Award of Merit. The banquet will be held at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Normal.