Senator Chris Nybo has presented the first Inspiring Educator of the Year award to the teacher whose efforts inspired the program to honor local educators.

The 2015 Inspiring Educator award recipient is Emily Shield, a teacher from Glen Ellyn. Shield was nominated by the Lujan family for her tireless work with the Lujans’ son Caleb.

“Inspiring educators go beyond their daily duties and responsibilities of teaching our children how to read and write,” Senator Nybo said. “Inspiring educators care about their students on an individual basis, and will inspire each student to live up to, and often exceed, individual expectations.”

Senator Nybo developed the program because he was inspired by Shield’s work to help Caleb meet his full potential. The Inspiring Educator award program asks parents, students or other community members in the 24th Senate District to recommend individual educators who impact students’ lives in a positive way.

Earlier this year, Senator Nybo asked Mary Ann Kalis, a retired principal from Elmhurst, to set criteria for future awards and to create an application process.

To qualify, teachers and education personnel must be employed and working in a public or private school located in the 24th Senate District. The educator must make a significant positive impact on children’s lives by inspiring children to learn, whether it be through traditional or non-traditional methods. Effective communication, impact on students’ social-emotional learning, innovative teaching techniques and community involvement will be considered.

Nomination forms for the 2016 Inspiring Educator award are due June 30, 2016, and the recipient(s) of the Inspiring Educator award(s) will be announced in early September 2016. Click here to download an application.

For more information about the program, contact Senator Nybo’s district office at chris@chrisnybo.org or 630/969-0990.