2 D202 Teachers Honored By IL State Board Of Education

PLAINFIELD, IL — Two Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 teachers with a combined 32 years of teaching experience were recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, officials said Wednesday.

Aux Sable Middle School's Rebecca Young and Plainfield North High School's Caroline Butler were honored with the Those Who Excel Awards of Meritorious Service awards, which have been given out since 1970. Young is a learning specialist and lead instructional coach, and Butler teaches English and journalism, heads the student newspaper and coaches girls' golf.

The award recognizes educators who have made significant contributions to public and private elementary and secondary schools.

"The educators honored shape their school community for the better and strive to be of service in unfamiliar domains," Director of Community Relations Linda Taylor wrote in a news release.

To be considered, educators had to submit personal essays and letters of recommendation from the principal, a colleague, and a student or parent. A former student nominated Butler, and the district's Director of Digital Learning nominated Young.

Young wrote about her journey to becoming a teacher, her work helping students observe Ramadan, and her focus on cross-curricular connection as Aux Sable tries out the middle school model, according to the release.

"I hope to pay it forward and nominate these amazing teachers in the years to come so they can be recognized as well," Young said in praise of other District 202 teachers.

The former student nominated Butler because she made her feel welcome at Plainfield South High School and "never gave up on her when she struggled," the release stated.

"[Students] really can touch hearts and motivate minds, and when I see them do so, it makes my part in the process priceless," Butler said of teaching journalism.