Susan Jones Named 2021 Educator of the Year
Congratulations to Allice Gustafson School Special Education Teacher Susan Jones! She has been named Educator of the Year by the Kane County Regional Office of Education!
Kane Educator of the Year, Susan Jones
For the past 45 years, the Regional Office of Education has held an award ceremony celebrating education in Kane County. This award recognizes the exemplary contributions, service, and achievements of one outstanding Kane County teacher annually. As added on their website, the ROE describes one of their most important selection criteria as, “Their superior ability to inspire the love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.” This definitely describes Susan. With this award, Susan is also the recipient of a $3,000 grant from the ROE to be used for a project of her choosing at her school.
We asked Susan a couple of questions about this recognition and here are her answers:
Why do you believe you were nominated?
This is a hard question to answer. I guess I touched the lives of my students, families, and coworkers more than I realized. They have always been so supportive of me. I really appreciated the nomination.
How did you feel when they announced your name at the awards ceremony?
I was so surprised! I actually sat in my chair for a few seconds trying to process what just happened. It took me a while to compose myself before I walked up on stage.
What does this honor mean to you?
It means the world to me. It’s nice to know that the work we do as early educators is appreciated. Working with our youngest learners, supporting their families at home, and helping them find resources within the community is the greatest part of my job.
Any idea what project you are going to use the prize money on?
I’m not sure yet. I know I want to find a project that will benefit the students in the instructional classroom. I want to find something that will support my students’ sensory needs, social/emotional needs, and/or communication needs.
Paulette Ollie, Early Childhood Coordinator at the Early Childhood Center and AP at AGS says, “She is a kind and caring teacher who is very child and family-focused. She is an advocate and leader in parent education at the Early Childhood level and the district level. She spends numerous hours planning parent education and family enjoyment such as the EC Family Literacy Nights and EC Family Musical Performer Experiences. She is also an active staff member of the Batavia Parent Support Network. Students and families love Mrs. Jones for the support and active problem-solving that she does for students and with families. Mrs. Jones strives to provide her students with a strong foundation so that they can continue to grow and develop as they move into elementary school.”
BPS101 and its staff are proud to have Susan in the family. Thank you for your 33 years of dedication to our District and all of your students.
Susan’s selection was announced LIVE at the 2021 Educator of the Year Awards Ceremony on April 30, 2021.
