River Valley Third Grade Teacher Receives ISBE Award of Excellence

LEMONT, IL — A River Valley third grade teacher has been recognized with an Award of Excellence in the classroom teacher category by the Illinois State Board of Education, the District shared.

Teacher Kim Darche was among the recipients of the 2025 Those who Excel and teacher of the year award categories from ISBE. These awards recognize educators who have gone above and beyond, the District said.

ISBE presents awards in seven categories: classroom teachers, early career educators, school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams.

Darche has been part of the SD113A team since 2015 as a third grade teacher and says that she loves the sense of community in the district, according to a release.

“It is not everywhere you have the opportunity to hang out with 8-year-olds who still believe in the power of silliness, tell stories without fear, ask questions with genuine curiosity, and still see the good in people,” said Darche. “Also, they always laugh at my jokes!”

To receive the Award of Excellence, the most prestigious of the Those Who Excel honors, educators must have demonstrated a commitment to equity and to the success of all students, the District said.

“This recognition acknowledges that my commitment to public education and research-based practices in the classroom is not unnoticed,” said Darche. “The sense of fulfillment as I encourage students to grow in confidence over 'getting it right' is palpable within our classroom and I am proud of that.”

“We are so proud of Kim,” Superintendent Dr. Courtney Orzel said in a release. “She is a shining example of what we mean when we talk about purpose and passion in our schools because she truly cares about each and every student. She is inspiring a love of learning and this recognition is well deserved!”