Early Childhood / Elementary Education
"Mrs. Beyler's wisdom, organization skills, patience and caring support have been a blessing to countless students and staff. The students are front and center in everything she does. It is clear that she truly cares about each student while holding them to high standards. She never seeks the spotlight, but rather shows an interest in listening to and supporting those around her. It has truly been a blessing to work and learn alongside her, especially as she finishes her final semester of teaching this Spring after a lifelong career in education. She would be an excellent choice for cooperating teacher of the month!" - Claire M.
"Ms. Brooks was my first ever cooperating teacher and has been a huge support to me ever since! She’s always a helping hand and an amazing mentor with such knowledgeable advice!" - Denaya A.
"Mrs. Cheatham has graciously welcomed me into her classroom, creating an environment where I feel truly supported. She consistently goes above and beyond, offering thoughtful feedback and unwavering encouragement that ensures I am always prepared to succeed. Through her mentorship, I have been given a safe space to learn, make mistakes, grow, and ultimately become the best teacher I can be. I am nominating Mrs. Cheatham because she embodies the qualities of not only an exceptional educator but also someone who is committed to shaping the future of the profession." - Morgan M.
"Mrs. Ross is amazing. She is so kind and compassionate, both with her students and me. I have learned so much for her and am so grateful I got her as my student teacher!" - Natalie T.
"Amazing teaching in every way. She taught math and science and always found a way to make the learning fun and engaging. I learned so much being in her class and was always noting her classroom management, routines, games, and activities." - Annabelle C.
"Evin is an outstanding educator and an even better mentor. She ensured I got to practice ideas I learned at U of I and allowed me room to grow and become a better educator myself. She supported me in all of my lesson ideas and helped to foster a welcoming, friendly, and fun classroom environment. She leads with kindness and love for her students and fellow teachers. Her flexibility, care, and positivity made my experience in her classroom truly special." - Izzy H.
"Kristine was my cooperating teacher for the first semester of my (current) Senior year. Working with her has been by far, the most valuable experience in my educational journey and honestly just in life. Her outlook and values in the classroom are admirable and valuable to not just students, but anyone. She sets a firm precedent that kindness is not a suggestion but a must. One of my biggest takeaways from her was, "You don't have to be everyone's friend, but you do have to be kind to everyone." Throughout the semester, she gave me countless opportunities to jump in, take risks, and ask questions about anything, even job searching and applying. She gave me chances to practice composing parent emails, parent contact, grading, assessment planning, handling conflict, restorative conversations, and planning in general. She took the time to involve me in staff meetings and interactions, making sure I could build connections around the school and overall made me feel welcomed and supported in every way possible. At the end of my time at Lincoln Trail, she, the students, and the parents all wrote me encouraging notes and even gifted me things like pens and supplies for my own future classroom. She also organized a schedule for me and the other student teachers to rotate and visit the rooms of other teachers around the school during our last week so that we could see different grades, room setups, and teaching styles. It was extremely valuable to have that opportunity and I have pages upon pages of notes from the experience that I want to remember when I am in my own classroom. I am overwhelmingly grateful that I got placed with Kristine and there are countless more good things I could say about her, but overall I thoroughly wish every student teacher could have the opportunity to work with her. Her commitment to her students and the student teachers she hosts is truly admirable and I believe she is beyond deserving of recognition." - Gloria E.
"She is always there to support me in each lesson I do. She has been so encouraging since the first day, and always finds a way to help me grow in my teaching journey. She demonstrates wonderful relationships with each one of her students and is a wonderful example of a teacher I hope to be like in the future." - Hailey G.
"Mrs. Kaiser is a phenomenal teacher and mentor! She handles every situation that she encounters amazingly. Not only the kids in her class love her, but also other students within the school. She goes above and beyond to make learning exciting for the kids and making sure that they are learning not only academically but socially." - Katie K.
"She is so willing to let me take over different things to help build my confidence as an educator. She is always keeping me up to date with events and students lives. She is always willing to answer questions even if it is a silly one. I feel very supported in her classroom and I think she deserved to be recognized for fostering such a wonderful space for me and her students." - Kerrigan L.
"This teacher has welcomed me into the classroom with open arms. Not only has she let me try behavior ideas, and incorporate my own ideas, but she has let me teach on day one putting trust in me, even if I mess up. When I do, she explains it is okay and that these things happen. I have learned more from her with being able to put my hands on within the classroom, than anyone else." - Jillian K.
"Mrs. Diskin has taught me so much already and she is such a kind and hardworking teacher! She goes above and beyond for her students and I couldn’t ask for a better teacher to learn from." - Taylor N.
"Dr. Brown was a phenomenal cooperating teacher! He made me feel so welcome and supported in his classroom. He has such great insight - for supporting student learning, classroom management, and building relationships with students - that he shares in such a considerate and generous way. He is amazing at what he does." - Laini F.
"Mrs. Keyser is such a wonderful teacher, and it was an absolute joy to be her student teacher last semester. She taught me so much about what it means to be a teacher, and really helped grow my confidence in teaching and classroom management. I am so grateful to have had Mrs. Keyser as my cooperating teacher last semester, and am looking forward to joining her on Southwest’s Pre-K team this upcoming fall." - Sophie H.
"Kristen is a wonderful mentor. She is kind and caring. She is constructive and supportive always. Even though she has had so many student teachers, she gets to know you personally and let's you know how special you are and how much she appreciates you. She is flexible and extremely considerate. Kristen is fantastic at classroom management and working with a variety of personalities. She gives wonderful feedback and always makes time to answer questions, meet with you, plan together, even though she has so much to do all the time." - Mercedes G.
"Mrs. West is a cooperating teacher I have learned so much from. Not only do I look up to her as a teacher, I also look up to her as a person I want to be like! I have so much respect for her and anyone can see she has so much passion for teaching and so much love for every single one of her students. I see the positive impacts she makes in her students' lives and I think she is so deserving of this!" - Tammy L.
"Korry Plotner has been an exceptional mentor and role model, making her a perfect candidate for Cooperating Teacher of the Month. From day one, she has been incredibly welcoming, creating an inclusive and supportive environment. She collaborates on every lesson, ensuring a seamless and enriching learning experience. Her positivity radiates through the classroom, uplifting students and fostering a love for learning. Her dedication, encouragement, and commitment to both students and colleagues make her truly deserving of this recognition." - Shannon L.
"Ms. Marx has single-handedly made me fall in love with teaching. Before this semester I didn't want to to student teach full-time because I absolutely hate waking up early and I didn't think that I would enjoy my time being here. Ms. Marx has shown me what it is to be a good and fun teacher and how much of a privilege it is to be a teacher to these amazing kids. She has made waking up early in the mornings not so bad and she has put a smile on my face and her students faces every single day. I think I really hit the jackpot with having her as my cooperating teacher and I fully believe she deserves to win this award. Without her I don't know how I would feel about student teaching and if I would have been able to make it the whole semester." - Elizabeth C.
"In my journey to become a teacher I felt like she really gave me the opportunity to not only learn from her teaching style but helped me develop my own as I was with her. Other things that are a given is that she is a really great educator and gives you room to grow, she really had a growth mindset when it comes to doing what is best for the students and gives me the motivation to do the same. Really understanding of what a student observer/teachers needs to be successful." - Earica W.
"Illyanna has taught me so much and continues to show me new things everyday. Her teaching style, classroom management, and overall professionalism are things I look up to and hope to have as a future teacher. She has ignited my interest and passion for teaching again and has shown me that teaching truly is a rewarding job. I am so lucky to be working with Illyanna- she truly is the best." - Katie V.
"Illyanna set a good example for how a classroom should run in terms of expectations from students and teachers. She also showed me how to build rapport with students while maintaining your sense of authority." - Christian A.
"He is a great mentor that is friendly and kind. Great person to collaborate with, a kind soul, and provides a welcoming experience at all times. He also shows appreciation and gives credit to others whenever he gets a chance. Overall, a great cooperating teacher that sets people up for success and looks out for others." - Kristiane M.
"I’d love to nominate Andi Bonner for Cooperating Teacher of the Month because she has been an incredible mentor and role model. She goes above and beyond to support both her students and me, making the classroom a place where everyone feels welcome and encouraged to learn. From day one, Ms. Bonner has been patient, supportive, and always willing to share advice, whether it’s about lesson planning, classroom management, or just navigating the day-to-day challenges of teaching. She makes learning fun and engaging, and takes her role very seriously. Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better cooperating teacher, and I feel so lucky to learn from her. She absolutely deserves this recognition!" - Stela S.
"Andrew has been an amazing CT right from the start. He has given me the autonomy to feel like I have a hand in guiding the class even before takeover. He gives clear and consistent feedback and is always looking to help solve problems, whether they are related to the classroom or otherwise. I feel that because of our conversations and his advice, I will not only be a strong teacher, but I feel motivated to take on a student-teacher one day as well so I can give them the same experience I get here. He definitely deserves Cooperating Teacher of the Month!!" - Delaney S.
"She’s the best!" - Mary P.
"I am nominating Corinne Pennock because she truly does go above and beyond, not only for me as a student teacher, but for everyone around her. While transitioning to student teaching full time was a big change and felt overwhelming, Corinne stepped up for me day one. She put in so much time to make sure that everything I needed was ready to go in order to ensure my success, and has provided me with so much support. She is a phenomenal role model, and I feel lucky to get the chance to work with her. She is always highlighting my strengths, and is able to appropriately deliver constructive advice in a productive way that still feels encouraging! On top of her professional strengths, she is a genuine down to earth person, who I know wants what is best for me. She has made the effort to invite me to coworker events outside of school to make connections and get to know the department better, and has made a genuine effort to get to know me. I am grateful to feel like I have made a friend throughout this process, and know Corinne would be there for me in any future endeavors! Everyone deserves to have a cooperating teacher like her!" - Molly D.
"Mrs. Haile has been an amazing Cooperating Teacher! She and her class already had an awesome relationship and she easily integrated me into the classroom. Her lessons are engaging despite the new curriculum being used and her students always seem engaged when she teaches. She is very helpful and encourages all of my questions. She also does all of this while taking care of four kids! She is the best Cooperating Teacher I could ask for and although this is a stressful time, I have yet to feel overwhelmed due to her guidance." - Eris P.
"Great advice for all student teachers, not just his own. Local union rep who works hard to ensure that future teachers not only know their rights and what resources they have available but also fights for the rights of student-teachers in general. Rich also has years of experience teaching across several countries and is always ready to share this experience with new teachers and help them with any questions they may have." - Dylan R.
"Ms. Hutchison has had an extremely positive impact on my early field experience. She always did her best to support me and my teaching partner, and she always challenged me to do more in the classroom. I had an amazing time thanks to her!" - Lillian K.
"She has been so helpful in my student teaching experience so far, and she always lets me in on teaching lessons. She has taught me so much about teaching in such little time and it is amazing to see what impact she has on her students. There is not one time we could walk down the hallway and she does not pass a student that knows her. She is the best!" - Patrick S.
"They've been extremely helpful and accommodating to me during my experience so far. They've done an awesome job at making me feel welcome at Fenton and easing me into taking over their classes. I can tell they have great relationships with their students, because it's been so easy for me to step in and begin to build my own relationships with them." - Franky S.
"She has been a huge support in guiding my growth as a budding educator. She trusts me in the decisions that I make but also is there when I have questions or don't necessarily trust myself on the decisions that I make. I know she believes I am capable which in turn boosts my confidence in the classroom as I know that even if I don't have full confidence in myself she does, and she is there and willing to support me. Beyond her support of me she is also an incredible model for the students. Before and after school, during passing periods, or homeroom, there is never not a student in her classroom just to talk with her or ask her for advice. She acts as a confidant to her students and they know she is going to be someone they can come to for advice or support. It is an amazing thing to see, her connection with her students is so strong. She is the kind of educator I hope to be in the future, and I admire her immensely." - Abigail W.
"Ryan is an incredibly great teacher through his lecturing abilities, classroom setup, and classroom management skills. He is greatly involved in the PBIS leadership in improving Mahomet. He always comes to school with a great attitude and passion for teaching and learning. He is an incredible visionary when it comes to unit planning. He is not only a great co-operating teacher, but a great person, coach, and father" - Will S.
"Jim has been instrumental in getting me comfortable at Palatine High School and student teaching by creating multiple opportunities for me to get acclimated into the climate and culture of the school. Jim has also given me many opportunities to learn and improve my teaching, and any and all tasks that are given to me are intentional and only meant to further my own learning. It has been a privilege being able to have my student teaching experience with him, and I am excited to learn more from him as the year goes on." - Chris C.
"Mrs. Dunlavey has been nothing but amazing to me. I am so fortunate to be placed with her, I am learning so much from her and I wish to be a teacher just like her." - Nina A.
"She is always so prepared which makes my student teaching experience very smooth. She is also a great resource to lean on- whether it's getting advice, helping plan lessons, etc." - Emily S.
"Stephani has been such an amazing cooperating teacher throughout my transition to student teaching. She's been incredibly supportive and has given me the space to try new things and find my teaching style. She values hands-on experience and has encouraged me to jump in since my first day at Salt Fork High School. I always feel so welcomed in her classroom and because of that I am able to thrive. I cannot be more appreciative of the work she has done for me." - Stella P.
"It was an great experience to be able to learn from, observe, and teach under Dr. Wilson last semester. He is extremely supportive and always willing to let his observers make inputs and take the reigns of class. I got so much experience from being in his classroom and it has made me a better teacher for it!" - Evan B.