SOAR teacher Samantha Munks wants students to succeed, no matter what challenges they face
Samantha Munks, a SOAR (Students Obtaining Achievement and Responsibility) high school teacher in Peru, pushes her students to be their best by inspiring them to dream and supporting them by meeting them at their level.
From teenage rebel to respected teacher: Fisher uses auto shop to prepare students for the workforce, for life
He was a rebellious student and “slacker” until he stumbled into auto shop. Now, La Salle-Peru High School’s Mike Fisher runs the auto shop to teach his students accountability, professionalism.
Woodland’s Lisa Jackson provides a ‘safe space’ for students to share, to vent
IVCC’s Vince Brolley says teaching honor ‘is like getting praised for eating ice cream’
Teaching dual credit courses for Illinois Valley Community College puts Vince Brolley back in high school, where he feels right at home.
Thank You Teacher Letters 2025: News Tribune
Thank You Teacher Letters 2025: The Times
Read our letters submitted by students and parents to The Times for our 2025 Thank You Teachers special edition
Putnam County’s Joshua Curry uses art as a gateway to open opportunities for students
Putnam County High School art teacher Joshua Curry believes cultivating a student’s creativity is important. He has a way of encouraging risk taking and instilling confidence in students.
Pizza Pi, Starbucks reading days are ways Marseilles Elementary’s Cheyenne Timm engages students
Now in her third year at Marseilles Elementary, Cheyenne Timm is known for creating a welcoming, hands-on classroom environment that prepares students academically while helping them build the skills and confidence they’ll need for middle school.
Martin Czernicki brings ‘sense of community’ to Shepherd Middle School’s band program
At Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa, the band class is more than just an extracurricular activity – it’s a place for students to grow, connect and express themselves. Leading the charge is Martin Czernicki, the school’s band
IVCC’s Vince Brolley says teaching honor ‘is like getting praised for eating ice cream’
Teaching dual credit courses for Illinois Valley Community College puts Vince Brolley back in high school, where he feels right at home.