Two District 15 educators named top in state by PTA

Two Palatine Elementary District 15 educators have won top recognitions from the Illinois PTA.

The state parent-teacher organization named Lincoln Elementary Principal Mary Beth Knoeppel as its Outstanding Principal of the Year, and Walter R. Sundling Junior High director of bands Jeff Zilke as its Outstanding Teacher of the Year, officials announced Wednesday.

Knoeppel, who has been principal for the last six years and assistant principal for the previous six years, provides a "learning environment where each of her 850-plus students' presence is recognized, their unique talents are valued, and their potential to succeed at school and in life is championed," Illinois PTA officials said in a news release.

They say Knoeppel, as an active adviser to the school's PTA, makes parents feel welcome by communicating in a variety of media, and offering school Spanish-speaking classes and baby-sitting services.

Zilke coordinates a variety of opportunities for his 120 students, including learning from guest conductors, and performing at Veterans Day ceremonies and other schools, such as Palatine High School, officials said. The eighth grade band also performed "Go, Cubs, Go" Oct. 28 outside Murphy's Bleachers on the WGN Morning News.

Sundling Principal Jason Dietz called Zilke "a true professional in all of his work."

"He works with his students to set short- and long-term goals and instills a strong work ethic, solid organizational skills, and the ability to always put forth best effort," Dietz said.

The Illinois PTA also named Jonathan Thomas-Stagg of Robeson Elementary PTA in Champaign as its Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.

The three received the awards April 8 at the 115th Annual Illinois PTA Convention at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville.