2010 Finalists

Seven Named as Finalists for the
2010 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards

CHICAGO — Seven of metropolitan Chicago’s finest educators who work with 3- to 8-year-old children have been selected as finalists for the 2010 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards. The finalists exemplify the best practices of quality early childhood teaching: dedication, innovation, leadership, respect for children and their families, and commitment to professional growth. They work in public schools in Chicago and Evanston, in Preschool For All and kindergarten through third-grade classrooms.

The process began last fall when an esteemed committee of leaders in the field of early childhood education nominated 12 outstanding teachers for this award. The fellows of the Kohl McCormick Academy of Outstanding Educators teamed with other leaders in the field to conduct site visits on these nominees, selecting seven to be finalists.

Three of these outstanding educators will be chosen to represent the best of the field, following a final application process that includes written applications and interviews with a panel of experts. Those three honorees will be announced in April, and they will be honored at the 2010 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards luncheon ceremony on Tuesday, June 8, at the Westin Chicago River North.

Each of the three honorees will receive:
· A $5,000 cash award
· A $1,000 cash award for their school
· Induction into the Kohl McCormick Academy of Outstanding Educators
· A classroom visit and professional development from the StoryBus
· A graduate-level course at The Erikson Institute
· Recognition at a formal awards ceremony

While there are numerous teaching awards in the United States, the Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards is the first awards program to formally recognize the contributions of teachers working with children from infancy through third grade. In its fifteenth year, the Kohl McCormick Awards program has become a model for recognition of outstanding early childhood educators.

“In the current economy, it is even more important to make wise investments of limited resources. The McCormick Foundation knows that every dollar spent on early care and education yields a high return on investment,” says Sara Slaughter, Director of the Education Program of the McCormick Foundation. “The Kohl McCormick Teaching Award winners prepare children for success in school as well as life. The McCormick Foundation applauds these winning teachers and their tireless efforts in working with our youngest children and their families.”

“These teachers—these seven finalists—symbolize everything these Awards stand for: the potential of one dedicated human being to make a significant difference in the life trajectory of a child,” observes Lou Bank, Vice President of the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation. “They are laying the groundwork that will allow the children in their classrooms to become successful, productive adults.”

The Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards program is sponsored by the McCormick Foundation and the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation. Since 1993, the education program of the McCormick Foundation has committed more than $67 million in resources and expertise to improve the quality of early childhood education in the metropolitan Chicago area.

Finalists – 2010 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards

Becky Benkiser
Mitchell Elementary (Ukranian Village)
2233 W. Ohio St., Chicago IL 60612
Second grade
Residence: Roscoe Village

Nicole Gorton
Ortiz de Dominguez Elementary (North Lawndale)
3000 S. Lawndale St., Chicago IL 60623
Preschool, Kindergarten, children with autism
Residence: Lakeview

Hugo Luna
Barry Elementary (Kilbourn Park)
2828 N. Kilbourn Ave., Chicago IL 60641
Preschool For All
Residence: Belmont Heights

Shannon Lynn
Sabin Magnet School (Wicker Park)
2216 W. Hirsch St., Chicago IL 60622
Third grade
Residence: Wicker Park

Heather Madden
Bridge Elementary (Dunning)
3800 N. New England Ave., Chicago IL 60634
Preschool For All
Residence: Humboldt Park

Anne McKenna
Dewey Elementary (Evanston)
1551 Wesley Ave., Evanston IL 60201
Second grade
Residence: Bucktown

Kristin Ziemke-Fastabend
School: Burley Elementary (Lakeview)
1630 W. Barry Ave., Chicago IL 60657
First grade
Residence: Lincoln Square