The principal sent out an email saying the state superintendent would be visiting to celebrate test scores and asked that the teachers not wear jeans that Friday.
But that wasn’t the real reason behind the dress code, or the visit.
First grade teacher Jessica Wentz ’11 was sitting with her class at an all-school assembly at Lincoln Grade School in Washington when a guest took the microphone and announced her name. She was the winner of the Milken Educator Award, which recognizes top educators around the country with a $25,000 award.
“It was a total surprise,” she said. “None of my team knew. It was fun to not only celebrate with our students, but my son, who’s also in first grade.”
When she addressed the crowd, she said she wouldn’t be standing there without the teachers she met along the way and also celebrated the school’s students.
“This is because of every single person I’ve ever worked with,” she said. “There’s no job I’d rather have. I’m so honored and blown away. It’s because of kids like you, our Panthers, that make not only me, but all the teachers at Lincoln love what we do and make it worth coming to school every day.”
The award has been called the “Oscar of Teaching,” and recognizes educators for instructional excellence, leadership, community engagement, and potential for educational development. Wentz is the only Illinois recipient this year.
“Jessica Wentz embodies the very best of what it means to be an educator,” said Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois state superintendent of education. “Jessica turns her classroom into a space where young learners thrive. Teachers like Jessica remind us of the profound impact this profession has on shaping futures and changing lives.”
This award tells teachers that education is an important procession, “just like the Oscars and Emmys,” he said. “We need to celebrate teachers as the true heroes they are.”
Jennifer Fuller, Milken Educator Awards vice president, presented the award to the Illinois State University graduate in early childhood education.
“Jessica Wentz instills a love of learning in every endeavor, from classroom teaching to mentoring others,” Fuller said. “Leading engaging opportunities and interactive lessons for students, she is capturing their interest in education at a young age, setting the stage for bright futures.”
Wentz finds creative ways to make learning fun, including “Adjective Runway,” a fashion show where students dress up and walk the red carpet while first graders use adjectives to describe the costumes and props.
“My team and I always strive to make learning come to life, especially if kids are having a hard time with the concept,” Wentz said. “Teaching grammar to 6-year-olds can be challenging.”
Wentz’s commitment to education through adventure is yielding impressive results, Fuller added. Last year, her students’ reading proficiency jumped from 45 percent to 94 percent by year’s end.
When she was hired 14 years ago, she found she would be teaching in the same classroom where she attended first grade.
Asked why she chose teaching, she didn’t have the typical response.
“You hear a lot of teachers say they always knew they wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “It wasn’t really the case for me. I entered college not being completely sure.”
But once she got into an elementary classroom, everything changed.
“I’m glad ISU gets students into the classrooms early because that’s when I knew what I wanted to do. I cannot picture anything else.”
Wentz chose Illinois State University because of its reputation, and a little encouragement from her mother.
“My mom really pushed me, saying I have to graduate from ISU because it’ll help me get a job,” she said.
Three early childhood professors still stand out to her,:Associate Professor Amanda Quesenberry, Professor Miranda Lin, and Professor Terry Husband.
“They taught me so much about early elementary education, how to teach those foundational skills,” she said. “They helped me form my own philosophy of teaching and what kind of teacher I wanted to be. And Dr. Husband had such enthusiasm, he would model for us how we should engage with our students. His energy and excitement are still memorable 15 years later.”
She was also inspired by observations at Metcalf School.
“I remember being in Metcalf and seeing so many incredible teachers there and being so inspired.”
Wentz is married, the mother of two young boys, and also earned her master’s in curriculum and instruction.
In April, she will join other Milken Educator Award winners in Los Angeles. The award program was created in 1987 by Lowell Milken, a philanthropist. Nearly 3,000 teachers, principals and specialists have been surprised at school assemblies with $25,000 non-restricted awards. Recipients are honored early to mid-career for what they have achieved and the promise of what they will accomplish.
First-year teaching tips
Award-winning first grade teacher Jessica Wentz ’11 offered tips for teachers headed to the classroom this fall.
- Focus on building relationships with the students. That’s the foundation of a successful classroom where students feel valued and understood. Learning is more meaningful, more fun and easier on all when you have those relationships.
- Embrace flexibility. Be prepared to think on your feet and constantly make adjustments. Just roll with it.
- Find your support system. You need veteran teachers as mentors, and new teachers who understand what you’re going through. You need people you can vent to and those who will help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins.
- Take care of yourself. Teaching can be demanding. Make sure you are prioritizing your well-being and celebrating the little wins. Recognize the progress you and your students are making in the first year. Even if it’s small steps, it’s still progress and deserves celebrating.
