RIMSD 2023 Educator of the Year Gala

RIMSD#41 teachers, principals, colleagues, administrators, and family members gathered at the Stern Center on Friday, April 14, 2023, to celebrate educators at the 4th annual Educator of the Year Gala.

Over the past 4 years, Rock Island-Milan School District #41 has worked to ensure that our educators would receive special recognition for the incredible impact that they have had on our entire student population.

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To be considered for an Educator of the Year, a person must exhibit the following criteria:

The educator must have taught for at least five years.
The educator must have evidenced exemplary skills in instructing children/young adults.
The educator must strongly believe that all children/young adults can and will learn.
The educator has continually shown evidence of self-motivation in seeking and engaging in professional growth activities for the purpose of improving and/or enhancing his or her educational offerings to children/young adults.
The educator makes teaching and learning rigorous and exciting for children/young adults.

"If anyone has ever doubted the ability of an educator, their fears can be put to rest. Everyone has been a ROCK STAR over this last year. You were THERE for students, and that is what matters, your dedication and perseverance," said Dr. Lawrence.

The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Redrick Terry, anchor for KWQC TV 6 News and Rocky grad, class of 2013. Speakers included Terell Williams, President of the Board of Education, and Superintendent Dr. Reginald Lawrence.

"Being Teacher of the Year is not just about the recognition or the accolades. It's about the impact they have on their students. The lessons they teach will stay with their students for a lifetime. They instill a love of learning, curiosity, and critical thinking skills that will serve their students well beyond their school years," said Williams.

There was also an incredible performance by the Rock Island High School Chamber Singers. Each Honoree was then announced and escorted to the stage by their school principal. An excerpt from their nomination was read while they received their award.

2023 Educator of the Year Recipients:

Kristin Banks - Denkmann Elementary School
Beth Raygor - Eugene Field Elementary School
Amanda Webber - Edison Jr. High School
Tyler Allison - Euegen Field Elementary School
Cariss Boyd - Frances Willard Elementary School
Jenny Purvis - Horace Mann Early Learning Center
Dave Terronez - Longfellow Liberal Arts
Mara Goodvin - Ridgewood Elementary School
Amanda Schaubroeck - Rock Island Academy
Elisha Horn - Rock Island Center for Math & Science
Michelle Greenwood - Rock Island High School
Dean VanVooren - Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
Janice Gbenyo - Thurgood Marshall Learning Center
Jazmin Taylor - Washington Jr. High School

To read the honoree's nomination letters click on the attached document below. Congratulations to all of our winners!

group photo of the educators of the year

2023 Educators of the Year! Top row from L to R: Mara Goodvin, Amanda Schaubroeck, Elisha Horn, Dean VanVooren, Janice Gbenyo, and Jazmin Taylor. Bottom row from L to R: Kristin Banks, Beth Raygor, Amanda Webber, Tyler Allison, Carissa Boyd, Jenny Purvis, and Dave Terronez.

Attached Files

2023 EOY Program.docx (3).pdf