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Two District 93 staff members recognized by Illinois State Board of Education

Two Community Consolidated School District 93 staff members have received statewide recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education: Carol Stream Elementary School first-grade teacher Jessica McGill has earned Meritorious Service recognition in the Classroom Teacher category of the ISBE Illinois Teacher of the Year program, and Elsie Johnson School head custodian Shaqir Kelmendi has earned Meritorious Service recognition in the Educational Service Personnel category of the ISBE Those Who Excel program.

Since 1970, the Illinois State Board of Education has sponsored the Illinois Teacher of the Year and Those Who Excel programs. The former recognizes the best of the teaching profession in Illinois while the latter honors individuals who have made significant contributions to public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools in the state. Colleagues are invited to make nominations.

McGill was awarded for her deep dedication to all students. She is a collaborative lifelong learner who takes on and shares professional development opportunities throughout her building and with the district.

In addition to her team, McGill works with her school's instructional coach and innovation media specialist, serves on numerous school and district-level committees, has participated in District 93's Independent Study program, has worked with Discovery Education to pilot innovative learning opportunities, regularly is involved with book studies and optional professional development courses, teaches at District 93's STEM/Innovation Camp, and volunteers to help students at summer programs.

This involvement and constant commitment to professional development, combined with her organization skills and creativity, enables McGill to provide student-centered education by allowing students to make choices, believing in their ability to learn, and making learning fun. She maintains a pulse on her students' social and emotional needs, effectively employing best practices to personalize and differentiate instruction and manage student behavior, truly keeping students at the center of all she does.

Kelmendi was awarded not only because of his dedication to maintaining the building as an optimal learning environment for all students and staff members, but also because of his positive contributions to the school's atmosphere through interpersonal skills and connections. Responsive to all needs that arise throughout the building on a day-to-day basis, Kelmendi works passionately and with dedication to keep Elsie Johnson's building running smoothly.

With students, Kelmendi is known as a problem solver who is always willing to lend a hand to students in need, coming up with creative and fun ways to motivate them through difficult situations. As a prime example of his dedication to students that goes above and beyond the call of duty, Kelmendi has gone so far as to connect daily with students who particularly need movement breaks and bring them to the lunchroom to assist in cleanup.

Both will be honored virtually by the Illinois State Board of Education later in the school year.

District 93 is a preschool through eighth-grade district that serves 3,600 students from portions of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, and Hanover Park. Its mission is to maximize the academic, social, and emotional potential of each student. Visit www.ccsd93.com or www.facebook.com/CCSD93/.

Jessica McGill Courtesy of District 93
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