ROE Begins 42nd Quest to Find Kane County’s Best Educators

Matt Muntner / December 12, 2016 / Comments Off / Awards and Recognition, Education, Events, Kane County Regional Office of Education, Uncategorized

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About three decades ago, Leonard Nimoy hosted a television series titled, “In Search Of” — a weekly technicolor quest to unravel the mysteries of the known universe.

But even before Nimoy traded his Starfleet uniform for a three-piece leisure suit, Kane County’s Regional Office of Education was conducting its own version of “In Search Of,” seeking out the best and brightest teachers, school administrators and support staff worthy of the title, “Kane County Educator of the Year.”

Now in its 42nd year, the Educator of the Year Awards has evolved into one of Kane County’s most anticipated and well-attended events. And Kane County Regional Superintendent Patricia Dal Santo says the quest to find Kane County’s best educators is conducted with no less passion today than it was back in 1975.

eoty-header “We are excited to continue the tradition,” she said. “Kane County is filled with amazing educators who make positive impacts for students. We love to celebrate the quality education, leadership, assistance and inspiration that take place every day in our schools.”

Nominations are now open for the 42nd Annual Educator of the Year Awards, which will be handed out at a special awards dinner set for Friday, April 28, at the Q Center in St. Charles, IL. Tickets for the event will be available after Friday, March 31, through local school district offices.

104a0219s-300x225 Nominations must be made by Kane County teachers or school administrators, so John and Jane Doe citizens can’t nominate favorite educators directly through the ROE’s Office. That said, if you know a teacher, administrator or support-staff person who’s award-worthy, there’s nothing wrong with making suggestions to your school’s principal or School Board.

Nominees should be “exceptionally skillful and dedicated individuals in any school, public or private, pre-kindergarten through grade 12, who are planning to continue an active role in education,” according to the ROE’s website. Educators’ most important quality should be their ability to inspire the love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.

More info about Educator of the Year and the nomination packet can be found here. Nominations are due by Feb. 27, 2017. For more information, contact Mike Ademe at the Kane County Regional Office of Education. Keep an eye out in the coming months for more information on the event/

Last year, 29 amazing educators from all over Kane County were nominees in nine categories. Holly Yee from Ellis Middle School in School District U-46 won the overall award of Educator of the Year. You can read more about last year’s event here.

2015-16 Holly Yee – U46
2014-15 Sherry L. Douglas – 300
2013-14 Carol A. Mertes – 131
2012-13 Anette Bliss – 301
2011-12 Edward W. Brouch – 131
2010-11 Dr. Denise M. Hobbs – 303
2009-10 Francisco de los Santos – 131
2008-09 Deborah Perryman – U46
2007-08 Terri Dawson – 300
2006-07 Donna Lynn Letzter – 129
2005-06 Paul R. Hardt – 300
2004-05 John Walker – 101
2003-04 Luis Cabrera – U46
2002-03 Dr. John Struck – 131
2001-02 Janet Hornbostel – 303
2000-01 William Kane DuBois – U46
1999-00 Becky Furnish – 304
1998-99 Mark Bettcher – 300
1997-98 Gwendolyn Miller – 131
1996-97 Susan Khalaieff – 304
1995-96 Ron O’Neal – U-46
1994-95 Joan Brown – 300
1993-94 Jo Ann Zentz – 129
1992-93 Gary Jewel – 129
1991-92 Stan Sanderson – 300
1990-91 Liz Starnes – 300
1989-90 Yvonne Hollingsworth – 131
1988-89 Irwin Johnston – U46
1987-88 Rita Smith – 129
1986-87 Page McCloud – 101
1985-86 Mara Lapsa – 302
1984-85 Bonnie Bray – 302
1983-84 Ronald Babcock – 300
1982-83 Virginia French – 300
1981-82 Elaine Parker – 129
1980-81 Richard Johnson – 129
1979-80 James Valesano – 131
1978-79 Carol Ruby – 129
1977-78 Deane Westland – 303
1976-77 Harry Patterson – 129
1975-76 Robert Gemmer – 129

About the Kane County Regional Office of Education

ROE_logo_SMAL Led by Regional Superintendent of Schools Patricia Dal Santo, the Kane County ROE is located in Geneva and serves nine school districts. From teacher licensure assistance to professional development, the ROE’s mission is to advocate for education, provide leadership and perform regulatory functions. Learn more about the ROE’s offerings on Facebook, Twitter and by signing up for the semimonthly newsletter.