Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy Teacher Named Kane County Educator Of The Year

Press release from East Aurora School District 131:

AURORA, IL — Amidst a record-setting pool of 57 nominees, Cynthia Martinez of Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy was named the 2024 Educator of the Year. Ms. Martinez, a middle school teacher at Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy for East Aurora District 131, accepted the award among friends, family, and colleagues as she spoke about her profound dedication to her students and community.

“I’m able to teach in the community I was born and raised in. I grew up in Aurora and see myself in my (students),” Martinez told the Kane County ROE in an interview for the event. “I feel invested in being able to teach here. I want to engage them in ideas like problem-solving and how they see the world so they can understand not only their civic duties and responsibilities, but also their civic rights. How can they use education to empower their community and make a plan of action for change, whatever they feel that change may be?”

Colleagues and loved ones sent messages of appreciation and encouragement for the recipient throughout the weekend. Among those was State Representative Barbara Hernandez (D-IL), who shared that she learned under Martinez as a seventh grade student years ago.

That same night, Annette McMahon, Oak Park Elementary School Principal, was named School Administrator of the Year. When she returned to her school on Monday, staff and students surprised her and congratulated her for this recognition . In addition to presentations for the winners and our seven nominees, the East Aurora High School NJROTC commenced the event proceedings with a dignified presentation of the color guard.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners from EASD 131! Learn more in the videos below about these dedicated professionals as they share insights into their collective mission of nurturing the full potential of our students.

Cynthia Martinez, 2024 Educator of the Year (View Interview)
Annette McMahon, Oak Park Elementary, School Administrator of the Year (View Interview)
Norma Anguiano, Benavides STEAM Academy, Nominee (View Interview)
Joseph Bastian, Benavides STEAM Academy, Nominee (View Interview)
Frank Mendoza, Johnson Elementary, Nominee (View Interview)
Kenneth Gerk, East Aurora High School, Nominee (View Interview)
Maiden Lopez, Rollins Elementary, Nominee (View Interview)

To learn more about this special night, click here.

This press release was produced by East Aurora School District 131. The views expressed here are the author’s own.