Since 2000, the Franklin Initiative has recognized and supported excellence in education with the annual Educator of the Year Awards ceremony.  Each year we recognize the best teachers and programs in accredited schools across Monroe County, including MCCSC and RBBCSC.   

FRONT ROW: Robert Courtney (OE, Jackson Creek MS); Sheri Curry (OE, Clear Creek Elem.); Dr. Jeannine Butler (Lifetime Achievement Awardee, MCCSC School Board); Peggy Chambers (OE, MCCSC); Risë Reinier (OE, Templeton Elem.); Linda Plaford (OE, MCCSC); Hon. Judge Stephen Galvin (LL, Truancy Court Initiative); Kevin Gallagher (OE, Templeton Elem.

BACK ROW: Nancy Wroblewski (LL, YMCA Energize); Marlene Vass (LL, YMCA Energize); Diane Hanks (OE, Tri-North MS); Amanda Fisher (OE, Edgewood MS); Cindy Mitchell (OE, Edgewood Primary); Lauren Copeland (OE, BHS North); Julie Lindsey (LL, RBBC School Foundation); Lynn Uhls (OE, Edgewood Intermediate)

NOT PICTURED: Greg Mongold (OE, BHS North, posthumous award)

OE = Outstanding Educator Awardee      LL = Leading Light Awardee

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARDS: These individuals were selected from a record number of nominees from across Monroe County.  In addition to earning a $500 donation for their school from Bloomington-based Solution Tree, they will also receive an all-expenses paid Solution Tree inservice training. 

• Peggy Chambers, MCCSC Asst. Superintendent for Human Resources & Personnel
• Lauren Copeland, Social Studies Teacher, BHS North
• Robert Courtney, Social Studies Teacher, Jackson Creek MS
• Sheri Curry, Art Teacher, Clear Creek Elementary
• Amanda Fisher, Language Arts Teacher, Edgewood Junior High
• Kevin Gallagher & Rise Reinier, K-6 Team Teachers, Templeton Elementary
• Diane Hanks, Assistant Principal, Tri-North Middle School
• Cindy Mitchell, Kindergarten/1st Grade Teacher, Edgewood Primary
• Greg Mongold, Math Teacher, BHS North
• Linda Plaford, MCCSC Speech and Language Pathologist
• Lynn Uhls, 5th Grade Teacher, Edgewood Intermediate 

LEADING LIGHT AWARDS: For programs that demonstrate outstanding service and dedication with innovative or exemplary programs that enhance our education community: 

• Energize - Monroe County YMCA
• Monroe County Truancy Court Initiative
• RBBCSC School Foundation 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: For one individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding commitment to the field of education:

• Dr. Jeannine Butler, MCCSC School Board 

Congratulations to all award winners!!!

CLICK HERE for highlights and a list of awardees from the 2008 Educator of the Year awards.

For information about the awards ceremony, or if you are interested in sponsoring this popular event, please contact Matt Wysocki at mwysocki@ChamberBloomington.org.