Two Lake Co. teachers listed among state’s best

A pair of Lake County teachers are among the 11 selected as finalists in the Illinois State Board of Education’s annual “Those Who Excel” competition.

Libertyville High science teacher Mark Buesing and Stevenson High communication arts teacher William Fritz made the final cut.

“These 11 teachers are excellent representatives of Illinois’ many enthusiastic and passionate educators who are leading our children and schools,” Illinois State Board of Education Chairman Gery J. Chico said in a news release announcing the finalists. “They consistently create new strategies that keep students engaged and excited about learning and achieving. We are pleased to have this opportunity to publicly recognize their efforts and thank them for their commitment to Illinois’ students.”

The winner will be announced during an October banquet in Normal that celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of nearly 200 educators and school personnel from throughout the Prairie State.

A selection committee comprised of administrators, teachers and representatives from educational service personnel, student support personnel and past Illinois Teacher of the Year winners reviewed approximately 200 nominations this year. Nominations are scored based on personal background information, the nominating recommendation and letters of support from colleagues, parents and students.