Held Friday, October 19, 2018, approximately 500 teachers from around the LCMS Northern Illinois District attended the 2018 Northern Illinois District Teachers’ Conference.
During the conference, five attendees were recognized for their outstanding service.
Intermediate Teacher of the Year Award (Recognizes a distinguished teacher in the area of intermediate grades 3-5)
Mrs. Nora Holler, 5th Grade Teacher, St. John’s Lutheran School, Lombard
Mrs. Holler is a well-loved, dedicated 5th grade teacher – she is the Rock of our faculty. It is a joy being in her classroom! She has hands-on a activities in Science, her class reads 15-17 novels a year, her class an annual “Night at the Museum” where her students dress up and perform their favorite Historical Person. She is active in after school Clubs – such as Destiny Imagination (We have 3 teams that qualified for state), Poetry Contests, and State Essay Champs. Mrs. Holler directs and produces the Spring Musical along with the Christmas program. Mrs. Holler is an experienced teacher who embraces change when it is good for her students. She is very active and busy in church and Bible Study.
Early Childhood Teacher of the Year Award (Recognizes a distinguished teacher in the area of early childhood education: preschool through grade 2)
Lori Schneider, Early Childhood Director, Seeds of Grace at Grace Lutheran Church, Northbrook
Lori Schneider is totally dedicated to service and ministry to young children and their families. She gives 300% most of her days and has helped to mold hundreds of children into creative individuals who respect themselves and others. In her 38 years of ministry, she has helped in the opening of seven early childhood centers and consulted with many others throughout the United States. She is a great encourager to others. Over 20 indiviuduals have successfully completed their Child Development Associate Credentials due to Lori’s leadership and mentorship encouragements, and two are now Director’s themselves. Lori always has a smile on, as well as, a devoted love for families, staff and young children.
Intermediate Teacher of the Year Award (Recognizes a distinguished teacher in the area of intermediate grades 3-5)
Mrs. Pam Piel, 5th Grade Teacer, St. Peter Lutheran Church & School, Arlington Heights
Pam’s love of teaching, fifth graders and Jesus is hallmark of her ministry and life. Pam has created an enriching classroom curriculum and learning environment. Her lessons are filled with special activities to make learning fun and engaging for her students. Her passion for history is highlighted by Colonial Day, Civil War Day, and 50’s & 60’s Days. Pam consistently incorporates new activities and strategies to engage students in their differentiate learning. She actively promotes Lutheran Education in her school, district, and family. Pam and the Piel family represent teacher ministries in four of our NID Lutheran Schools. As a ministry team member at St. Peter, Pam is a very well respected, a mentor, collaborator, friend, and faithful servant.
Mustard Seed (Recognizes volunteer dedication within a church/school)
Kathy Boor, Volunteer/ Part-Time Extended Care Worker, Trinity Lutheran Church & School, Tinley Park
Kathy Boor has dedicated over 40 years to the ministry of the church, first in Tennessee, then St. Peter in Arlington Heights, and currently at Trinity Lutheran in Tinley Park. This humble servant is often one of the first people in the building and one of the last to leave because she leads the extended care program that she created upon her arrival at Trinity. Kathy makes it a priority to be at almost every track meet as well as every home soccer, basketball, and volleyball game cheering on the kids and coaches. She spends countless hours helping in the concession stand,cleaning up afterwards, and setting up for special events. She is the aide for grades 5-8, but has worked way beyond her part-time status the entirety of her ministry years at Trinity. Whether it is working in the school office, selling tickets for the fall and spring plays, helping with bake sales, Christmas wreath sales, calendar sales, creating ornaments with the 5th graders to sell at Santa’s Secret Workshop, cooking for and facilitating our Tuesday Fundraiser lunches for the entire school, helping to host every bridal and baby shower for staff members, or helping teachers in their classrooms from the beginning of August to mid-June, we wonder how she fits in time to create hand-crafted gifts for the staff. Outside the walls of the school, she loves attending and supporting students at their baseball games, concerts, plays, and recitals. Kathy Boor has taught many people about humble service and loves sharing the love of Christ with those she is around. We are beyond blessed by her example and her dedication to her calling.
Timothy Award (Recognizes a distinguished teacher with 5 years or less teaching experience)
Ms. Lizzy Kalal, Preschool Teacher, St. Johns Lutheran Church, Lombard
Ms. Kalal is a such a positive influence on an experienced Early Childhood team at our school. She goes about her day in a quiet and efficient manner – especially in a room full of 4 year olds. Her lessons keep her active kids moving yet still directed toward her objectives in her lesson plans. Ms. Kalal is patient with her students allowing them to grow in knowledge in the Lord at their pace. She has taken the leadership role in Literacy Night at St. John’s. She also has worked diligently with the upper grades in athletics. She is very visible and active in school and church related activities and eagerly dedicates her day to the Lord and His service.
Note: A Junior High Award is typically given at this celebration. Instead of awarding one of these designations this year, it was deemed more appropriate to award two intermediate awards.
Thirst Quencher—the 2018 Northern Illinois District Teachers’ Conference, was a collaborative effort between the LCMS Northern Illinois District, Concordia University Chicago and Lutheran Education Association and was filled with uplifting worship, great sectionals, and fellowship.
The conference began with worship and CUC President Gard preaching in the Chapel of Our Lord. During the conference, attendees were able to choose from nearly 50 sectionals in three sectional sessions. Concluding the conference was “Dreams” keynote by Phil Vischer, originator of Veggie Tales and a prayer and blessing by the LCMS Northern Illinois District President, Rev. Dr. Allan Buss.
If you see one of these outstanding teachers, pleased extend your appreciation for all they do.
This is Our Northern Illinois District! #OurNID