8th Grade Math Teacher

"He is not only a great teacher on our staff but a valuable community member who grew up in this district and is giving back on a daily basis whether it be in the classroom, basketball court, or soccer field. I can think of no better candidate."

Administrative Assistant to Special Education Coordinator

Learn: Elsie has become an expert in the field of special education in the areas of medical assistance, foundation aid, infinite campus, sped forms, due process, and all that is special education. She is tireless in her efforts to learn through webinars, workshops, and seeking out a network of knowledgeable people in the field Share: Elsie has shared her knowledge with the special education team and even within ZED. She is patient and answers questions. If she doesn't know the answer she will find out and share with those asking. Innovate: Elsie has come up with different ideas and approaches to presenting information to staff for better understanding and clarity. She is continually looking for better ways to be more efficient and effective in our work. Inspire: Elsie's kind heart and her "always there for everyone" attitude is an inspiration to all. She is always willing to jump in and help out when she is needed.

5th Grade Teacher

"I don't know anyone who puts in more hours than Shelley Hodge. She is dedicated to her profession and her students. She serves on numerous committees. She has a true gift of teaching. I am honored to be her teammate. She is so deserving of this reward, but she will humbly think she is not."

Paraprofessional

"Bonnie's positive outlook on life and how she carries that into her job is infectious. I never see her in a bad mood. She always looks at the bright side of things and that helps create a positive culture in our school. Working with these kids is not just a job for Bonnie ... it is a passion and a mission for her. It is that kind of attitude the inspires me and makes me a better teacher. Bonnie is very deserving."

Kindergarden Teacher

Gail jumped into a new teaching role this year as the district began a program called "Begindergarten". She took her passion of working with very young learners to make an appropriate and better transition for these kids into their educational career. She had to "Learn" about getting this program up and running as it was new; "Share" with her kindergarten team so that her students had things that were the same (in assessments) and/or different (in the curriculum); "Innovate" as she came up with new methods and ideas that were appropriate for working with these students; and "Inspire" as she motivated both the students and parents with selling this program as the right fit for these young learners. She did an AMAZING job getting this program to a successful level of helping the next group of kindergarteners become leaders in their next level of learning! Gail is qualified to receive this award because of her years of commitment to the Byron School District, her LOVE of working with the youngest learners, and her expertise in knowing age appropriate curriculum and social emotional skills, and balancing all of these things that make it a GREAT experience for "Begindergarten" students!

7th Grade Science Teacher

Owen does an awesome job of always implementing cutting edge technologies and teaching strategies to his students. He gives his students the best opportunity to learn every day. They always have a voice and choice in everything they do, which really inspires their creativity and uniqueness. Owen is uniquely qualified to receive the Spotlight On Staff award because he inspires the teachers around him to be better. He shares his ideas and innovating techniques with others, which is really neat.

Administrative Assistant to the Intermediate School Principal

Linda not only showcases these qualities daily herself, but INSPIRES me to be my best everyday. This year we went through a major transition to a 3-5 Intermediate School. Linda was out front leading through the entire process. She warmly welcomed a new receptionist secretary into our Intermediate office and SHARED with her all the nuances of high quality customer service. She has mentored this colleague throughout the year and continues to provide support and encouragement daily. Linda also on-boarded the 5th grade team as they made their way here this year and successfully connected them to the culture of our building. It's now as if that grade level has always been here. Lastly, I commend Linda for always wanting to LEARN more and grow herself personally and professionally. She has been in the Byron School District 20 plus years and is constantly looking for new, INNOVATIVE ways to make our office more efficient and welcoming. Simply put, our school would not be the great place it is without Linda's daily efforts. She goes out of her way to ensure that our staff, our families and most importantly our students needs are taken care.

Paraprofessional at Byron High School

Dan is the epitome of a person who works tirelessly for our District. As a Paraprofessional for the Special Ed Department, he is continually helping those around him and helping the students Learn, Share, Innovate, and Inspire, especially in a setting where some students struggle with those goals. Dan is there to help them along the way especially in the field of Math, in which he excels. He's a very knowledgeable person and is a huge asset to the Special Ed Department. Dan is qualified because not only does Dan excel in helping the Special Ed Department, Dan coaches three sports, opens the weight room before school Monday through Friday mornings, helps with the summer weight room, open gyms, summer camps, supervising events, and much more. Dan works extremely hard to help our students achieve great things in Byron. I'm not sure if there is anyone who is more active than Dan at our schools and he does all of those things to benefit our kids in Byron. That's why I think Dan Storlie is deserving of this award.