Two Central Illinois teachers finalists for “Teacher of the Year” award

Posted on March 9, 2023

*ISBE will begin finalist interviews this week. The teacher of the year will be announced later this spring. (WJBC file photo)*

NORMAL – Two local teachers have been selected as finalists for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) 2023 Teacher of the Year award.

According to an ISBE press release, the two finalists are Ricardo King Jr. from Normal Community High School and Dr. Katherine Bruemmer from Heyworth Junior-Senior High School.

King is an English and social studies teacher. Bruemmer is an English, career, and technical education teacher.

They are two of 15 finalists eligible to win the award.

“Each of the educators in the 2023 Teacher of the Year cohort has a unique voice and perspective on teaching, but they all share a fervor for doing the best for kids,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “They have each challenged the status quo and changed systems at the school and district levels to make education work better for their students. ISBE is proud to celebrate their incredible efforts and invaluable impact that goes beyond the classroom, uplifting entire communities.”

ISBE will begin finalist interviews this week. The teacher of the year will be announced later this spring.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…