Lab school teachers earn recognition

  • Author By Illinois State University Staff
  • May 27, 2008

Roberta Maubach

Two teachers from the Illinois State University laboratory schools have earned state and national recognition.

Thomas Metcalf School third-grade teacher Roberta Maubach was the recipient of a Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.  She was selected from more than 800 nominated candidates.

Golden Apple’s principle focus is: All Children Deserve Excellent Teachers.  Golden Apple Central Illinois Award-winning teachers will receive a sabbatical to study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a laptop computer, $3,000 and the opportunity through the GACI Academy of Educators to create educational programs that will positively impact the students of their community.

Thomas Holbrook

University High School’s Thomas Wade Holbrook is one of 99 educators to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.  The award is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House.

Each recipient gets a $10,000 award as well as a trip to Washington, D.C. for a week of celebratory events and professional development activities, including meeting with scientists and science educators at NSF, meeting with members of Congress and federal agency leadership and a reception and dinner at the U.S. Department of State.

Holbrook, a 26-year teacher at University High school, is an instructor of AP chemistry and physics. During his tenure, he has served as department chairman, Scholastic Bowl coach and Academic Challenge coach. He serves as a mentor to Illinois State University College of Education Clinical Experience students and was president of the Illinois Association of Chemistry Teachers.