The National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University has announced the current National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) and candidates nominated and who have received recognition for state and national awards.
2024 Illinois Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year awardees
For more than five decades, the Illinois State Board of Education has sponsored the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year awards. This annual program gives distinction to select Illinois educators, support personnel, teams, volunteers, and administration for their outstanding contributions to shaping young minds in the state’s public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.
Jeanné Aken, Beach Park
Aken is a teacher at Beach Park School District #3 and the recipient of the Award of Meritorious Service.
Valerie Albuck, Streamwood
Albuck is a middle school English language arts teacher at Tefft Middle School in Elgin Area School District Unit 46 and the recipient of the Award of Meritorious Service.
“During the process of becoming an NBCT, I have become a more reflective teacher. Implementing, reflecting, and improving has been the key. I have been able to take this process beyond my own classroom and into the whole school, impacting all of our students.” —Albuck
Elizabeth Ball, Park Ridge
Ball is a secondary mathematics teacher at Maine South High School in Maine Township High School District 207. Ball has served as a Hawk PRIDE sponsor (junior/senior leadership development program that provides freshman mentoring and character education), BOOST! sponsor (a club dedicated to promoting a drug-free and alcohol-free student life), and on the Board of Directors of the Maine High School Education Foundation. Ball is the recipient of the Award of Meritorious Service.
“I am, of course, humbled by this recognition, and I am profoundly grateful for the NBRC resources, which helped me become a better teacher and colleague … Most importantly, National Board Certification has helped me keep the student in the forefront. The certification process demonstrated once again the importance of being a collaborator with families, an advocate for students, and a leader within the department and the school. I continue to strive to meet my students where they are at each day and help them to grow as learners and people.” —Ball
Elizabeth Bellinger, Hinsdale
Bellinger is a music teacher at The Lane Elementary School in Hinsdale Community Consolidated School District 181. Bellinger is director of the B Chorus (mostly boys) and G Chorus (mostly girls). Bellinger is the recipient of the Award of Special Recognition.
“As a National Board Certified Teacher, I am constantly reflecting on how I can improve engagement with ALL students. I’m continually adding to my toolbox of strategies to increase engagement. For example, this year, I’ve tried out four new types of seating options to help my more wiggly students be successful.” —Bellinger
Damary Cortes, Naperville
Cortes is a teacher at Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and the recipient of the Award of Special Recognition.
Sara Kollbaum, Nashville
Kollbaum is an English teacher (Grades 9, 11,12) at Nashville Community High School in Nashville Community High School District 99. Kollbaum’s teaching ranges from a co-taught class with a concentrated special needs population to an honors senior dual college credit course. In addition to teaching reading analysis and composition strategies in English courses, Kollbaum is also a Holocaust educator working with organizations and museums worldwide to draft, review, and implement sound Holocaust pedagogy within schools. Kollbaum also serves as Humanities Department chair and as co-sponsor of The Blue Banner, the school’s online newsletter. Kollbaum is the recipient of the Award of Meritorious Service.
“National Board has been at the core of my teaching for over 20 years having certified for the first time in 2002. I have since renewed my certification twice. I value it immensely as a process that sets high expectations for me throughout my teaching journey and that encourages me to reflect on and challenge my teaching at all junctures of my journey.” —Kollbaum
Kristen Koppers, Joliet
Koppers is a senior English teacher at Joliet West High School in Joliet Township High School District 204. Koppers has served as a former Relay for Life school coordinator, former junior class sponsor, and former Students of Community Advocacy sponsor. Koppers is the recipient of the Award of Excellence.
“Being the only National Board-Certified Teacher in my building and one of only four educators in the entire district, I was able to go on to publish several books, contribute to local and national articles, and be a positive role model for other teachers. I am hoping that one day I am able to take on a leadership role in professional development for all educators.” —Koppers
Amanda Leyden, Hinsdale
Leyden is a third-grade teacher at Madison Elementary School in Hinsdale Community Consolidated School District 181. Leyden also serves as a student council advisor, Reading Club facilitator, and member of the building leadership committee. Leyden is the recipient of the Award of Meritorious Service.
“My National Board Certification definitely has influenced my career. When I first decided to go on the adventure of becoming certified, it was eye-opening. The way I had to reflect on my craft was something that I will hold with me forever. To be able to analyze how my instruction was being delivered and evaluate my effectiveness became my guiding light moving ahead in my career. I often reflect on the core propositions anytime I feel like I am questioning my effectiveness as a teacher. When I do that I either get validation for the choices I am making for my students or find ways to improve how I am supporting them.” —Leyden
Bethany Matthews, Mount Vernon
Matthews is a first-grade teacher at Bethel Grade School in Bethel School District 82. Matthews is also involved with the school improvement team, Title 1 committee, and the social/emotional committee. Matthews is the recipient of the 2024 Southern Regional Teacher of the Year in Illinois.
“Achieving National Board certification has made me so much more committed to knowing my students and how to teach them. It also keeps me dedicated to being a lifelong learner, which is so important for every teacher.” —Matthews
Yusra Said, Elgin
Said is an ELL English teacher at Dream Academy in Elgin Area School District Unit 46. Said holds additional positions such as school improvement chair, Equity Committee Pillar leader, yoga and mindfulness instructor, Teach Plus Policy Fellow, Illinois Digital Educators Alliance governing board member-Kishwaukee Region, and Coalition Of Schools Educating Mindfully board member. Said is the recipient of the Award of Excellence.
“I feel like working on NBCT has really given me more awareness of how I can make my classroom more student-centered.” —Said
Mashanda Scott, Chicago
Scott is a fifth-grade general education teacher at Barton Elementary School in Chicago Public School District 299. Scott is also involved as an Afterschool Reading interventionist, MTSS team member, Attendance Committee member, and Climate and Culture co-lead. Scott is the recipient of Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the State Teacher of the Year recognition
“My learning from achieving my boards has not only impacted my classroom instruction and practices but has also influenced my career decisions as I aspire to one day become a superintendent with the hopes of changing the narrative for schools on the Southside of Chicago. My passion to improve the current educational system goes beyond the classroom and becoming a National Board Certified Teacher has sparked my interest in doing such. Currently, I am in a principalship program working toward my doctorate in educational organizational leadership at Loyola University.” —Scott
Renae St.Clair, Huntley
St.Clair is a Medical Academy teacher at Huntley High School in Huntley Community School District 158. Additionally, St.Clair serves as the Medical Academy coordinator. St.Clair is the recipient of the Award of Meritorious Service.
“National Board Certification has taught me to focus on my students and student learning, not the material. To earn my National Board Certification they didn’t ask me about the curriculum, the focus was on the students. Yes, I had to show I was competent in my content area but that was only one aspect. I also had to show I was committed to my students and their learning. For me, the focus changed from exactly what I was teaching (material) to how the students were learning. It may sound simple, but unless you really think about it and reflect on it, you can’t be sure that the students are learning, regardless of how well you think you are teaching the material.” —St.Clair
Arnetta Thompson, Oak Park
Thompson is an enrichment specialist (Grades K-5) at Lincoln and Longfellow Elementary Schools in Oak Park Elementary School District 97. Thompson is the recipient of the Award of Excellence.
“Achieving National Board increased my confidence in myself as an educator. I am doing more now for the profession including mentoring other teachers, elevating my union work, training in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and working to improve education policy.” —Thompson
Ashley Whiteford, East Alton
Whiteford is a fourth-grade teacher at Eastwood Elementary School in East Alton School District 13. Whiteford is the recipient of the Award of Special Recognition.
“Getting my national board certification has given me the opportunity to look back on my career, my abilities, connect with other educators, and the chance to continue learning to be a better teacher. Working in a school with children and watching them grow has shown me there is always something to learn, and NBCT has given me that chance.” —Whiteford
2024 Golden Apple Award finalists
The Golden Apple Award is highly competitive and only a select few are chosen as finalists.
Alicia Carlisle, Chicago
Carlisle is a first-grade teacher at Turner-Drew Language Academy in Chicago Public School District 299. Carlisle also serves as a K-2 interventionist. Carlisle 2024 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching Finalist.
“Achieving my National Board certification has influenced my career because it has challenged me to hone in on my pedagogy in order to meet students’ diverse needs. National Board has also given me a “teaching family” I can get advice and support from when needed.” —Carlisle
Lauren Jensen, Chicago
Jensen is a kindergarten teacher at Courtenay Language Arts Center in Chicago Public School District 299. Jensen maintains positions with the Math Curriculum Adoption Team and the Professional Personnel Leadership Committee. Jensen is a 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalist.
“National Board Certification taught me to let go and let the students lead the learning process through inquiry studies. I learned how to utilize community members and outside resources more effectively. I also really improved my ability to integrate subjects in a more cohesive manner.” —Jensen
Aimee Legatzke, South Elgin
Legatzke is a general education kindergarten teacher at Fox Meadow Elementary School in Elgin Area School District Unit 46. Legatzke is a 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalist.
Susan Martin, Peoria
Martin is the principal of Reservoir Gifted Academy in Peoria Public School District 150. Martin is a 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership Finalist.
“The NBCT process was intense, but working with a cohort was extremely helpful. It made me focus on my teaching strategies and processes and how to continually improve. Writing the papers involved concise thinking and focus. I think it takes a dedicated person to complete the NBCT process. It is a commitment!” —Martin
Amanda McMonigal, Chicago
McMonigal is a kindergarten teacher at Edgar Allan Poe Classical Elementary School in Chicago Public School District 299. McMonigal is a 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalist.
“My National Board Certification has influenced my teaching in how I research, design, and implement best practices in my classroom with an emphasis on play. National Board Certification has also taught me how to differentiate my instruction based on my knowledge of students, their interests and using their strengths to inform my instruction and assessment practices. Lastly, I feel confident in sharing my knowledge and current research findings with colleagues and administration.” —McMonigal
Michelle Reeves, Chicago
Reeves is a kindergarten teacher at Skinner West Elementary School in Chicago Public School District 299. Over a 30-year career, Reeves has served in various roles such as a literacy coach, IB coordinator, and consultant with the University of Chicago STEP program and Dr. Barbara Radner’s Urban Education Institute’s Common Core Community Outreach program. Reeves is a 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalist.
“I have two master’s degrees, and I am currently working on a doctorate. However, the most challenging venture as an educator has been the national board process. It was rigorous. As a result of the national board certification process, I developed a deeper understanding of the importance of not only capturing student data but using the data to shape and tailor my teaching to match the academic needs of my students. I learned that every instructional lesson should have a purpose other than the sequential unwrapping of the textbook curriculum. Instruction must be driven by data and the learner. This knowledge served me well not only as a teacher but as a coach. I am so happy that I went through the NBCT process.” —Reeves
If you know a current National Board Certified Teacher who recently received a state or national award but is not on our list, please contact the National Board Resource Center.
