COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
ALUMNI AWARDS
Redbird Educators who soar above and beyond
Every year, the College of Education hosts multiple award programs that honor educators who demonstrate excellence in education and carry on the Illinois State legacy of “Gladly we learn and teach.” These honors recognize alumni who serve to inspire others through their career, citizenship, and character.
Redbird Educator Teaching Awards
The Redbird Educator Teaching Awards celebrate and recognize outstanding Redbird teachers who are committed to teaching and are making an impact in their classrooms and communities.
LABORATORY SCHOOLS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The Laboratory Schools Teacher of the Year recognizes outstanding teachers at Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School and University High School.
Paulina Dabrowska is an English faculty associate at University High School.
ALUMNI TEACHER LEGACY AWARD
The Alumni Teacher Legacy Award is a lifetime career achievement award for Illinois State alumni who are current or retired teachers who have taught for at least 20 years.
Amy Dabler ’97 is a sixth-grade social studies teacher and positive behavioral interventions and supports coach at Kingsley Junior High School.
Loni Fazio ’06 is a sixth-grade teacher at Thayer J. Hill Middle School.
Laura Rogan ’90 is an eighth-grade English language arts teacher at Round Lake Middle School.
Laura Thomas ’91 is a family and consumer sciences teacher and department chair at Normal Community High School.
Anthony Zoubek ’02, ’05, is a high school English language arts teacher in Colorado and adjunct professor at Colorado State University Pueblo.
TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Teaching Excellence Award recognizes Illinois State alumni who have been teaching for at least 10 years and demonstrate outstanding commitment to their students, school, and community.
Kara Barling ’12, M.S. ’23, is an agriculture teacher at Heyworth High School.
Jacqueline Finley ’14 is a math teacher at Argo Community High School.
Emily Knoeppel ’14 is an American Sign Language teacher at Evanston Township High School.
Tom Ponce ’09 is an eighth-grade language arts teacher at St. Mary’s Academy in Englewood, Colorado.
Amanda Reich ’13 is a fourth-grade teacher at Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas.
Randie-Lynn Reynolds ’13 is a social studies teacher and instructional coach at Lakes Community High School.
Sarah Rogers ’07 is a ninth-grade environmental science teacher at Golder College Prep in Chicago.
Sofia Salinas ’11 is a seventh- and eighth-grade bilingual language arts teacher at Little Village Elementary School, Chicago Public Schools.
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame is a lifetime career achievement honor that recognizes College of Education graduates who have distinguished themselves through significant accomplishments and contributions to the field of education.
Glenna Adams ’72, M.S. ’75, is a retired principal of Timber Ridge Middle School, Plainfield District 202.
Dr. Brandon Caffey ’96, ’00, M.S. ’02, Ed.D. ’19, is a director of student services at McLean County Unit 5.
Dr. Suzy Dees ’91, ’96, M.S. ’11, is a senior director of professional learning at West40 Intermediate Service Center #2.
Dr. Meg Schnoor ’93 is the superintendent at Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization.
Dr. Barry Reilly ’89, M.S. ’95, Ed.D. ’07, is a retired superintendent of Bloomington Public Schools District 87 and is the executive director at Promise Council.
Leslie Rennick ’04 is a special education teacher at Stark County Community Unit School District 100.
Donna Hejtmanek ’76 is a retired educator and co-founder/owner of Credentials Unlimited.
Outstanding Young Alumni
The Outstanding Young Alumni award recognizes College of Education graduates (those 10 or less years from their bachelor's degree) who have made significant contributions early in their careers.
Emilee Baldwin ’19 is a sixth-grade science teacher at Friendship Junior High, Community Consolidated School District 59.