Laura Meza is Honored with the Dedicated to Excellence Award

Laura Meza, the Spanish, Bilingual, and Early Childhood teacher at the Des Plaines Park District, was recognized with the Dedicated to Excellence Award at the park board meeting on Tuesday, April 19.

Meza has been with the district since 2010, working with Recreation Supervisor Karyn Roth to build the district's Spanish and Bilingual programs for ages 2 to 10. The original Saturday Spanish Preschool class has expanded into multiple sessions of Spanish and Bilingual education classes offered on weekdays and Saturdays, and the Leyendo y escribiendo en espanol classes that teach reading and writing in Spanish to students ages 6 to 10.

In addition, Meza is the Lead Teacher for several Early Childhood classes, including the new Toddler Time Preschool Program, developed for ages 2 and 3, and the popular Dress to Mess art class.

Laura is a resident of Des Plaines, a mother of three and grandmother of five. She attended college in Mexico, where she majored in psychology, and continued her studies at Oakton Community College, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught classes at a number of local schools and organizations, including The Immersion Spanish School in Winnetka, and a Hispanic parenting class at the City of Des Plaines. Laura has also been a Family Educator for the Elgin Area School District U46, working specifically with at-risk families.

Ms. Roth, who oversees all of the Early Childhood classes and the Creative Corners Preschool program for the park district, read several quotes from comment cards turned in by parents of students in Mrs. Meza's classes.

The Board's favorite was "A++++ Mrs. Meza is amazing … she is a real gem to have at the park district."

"Laura's passion for teaching and her caring nature are on display in every class she teaches," said Ms. Roth, "While she has been busy enriching the lives of her students, Mrs. Meza has enriched the park district as well, through her dedication to the highest standards of service to the community."

The Dedicated to Excellence Award is presented three times a year to employees who have made a positive contribution to the park district. Potential recipients are nominated by park district staff members, and evaluated by the Employee Relations Committee and administrators for creativity, responsibility, community relations and customer service.

For information about programs and events at the Des Plaines Park District, visit DPParks.org.