Kathy Fox, fourth grade teacher at Fairview Elementary School, has been named the Horace Mann Educator of the Year.
She was surprised with the news at Fairview, and students and staff lined the hallways to celebrate her win.
Kathy has worked for District 186 for over 20 years. She received a $1,400 cash prize and a crystal owl.
Educator of the Year finalists were Lelah Cookson (Lanphier High School), Brett Dabbs (Southeast High School), Wayne Hamilton, Jr. (Jefferson Hamilton, Jr.) and Cecelia Schurman (Washington Middle School). Each received $250.
The Rising Star award was previously given to three promising teachers who have been with the District four years or less. The Rising Stars are Elizabeth Gilmore (Matheny-Withrow), Trisha Iainennaro (Lanphier High School) and Stefanie Midiri (Marsh Elementary). They each received $250 and a crystal award.
Horace Mann has sponsored the Educator of the Year program since its inception in 1988. An independent panel of Springfield-area community and education leaders selects the Educator of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and the Rising Stars.
Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest financial services company focused on helping America’s educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.