Woodland Middle School Teacher Named Gurnee Teacher of the Year

Gurnee-Woodland Middle School English Language Arts teacher Darlene Lipczynski will be recognized by the village of Gurnee as one of its three Teachers of the Year for 2017.

A teacher for 16 years at Woodland District 50, Mrs. Lipczynski has spent the past four years at the Middle School and the previous 12 years teaching third grade at Woodland Elementary School. There were more than 200 nominations this year and Lipczynski received nominations from all three stakeholder groups - students, staff and parents. Shortly after Woodland District 50 Superintendent Dr. Joy A. Swoboda and Middle School Principal Scott Snyder surprised Mrs. Lipczynski in class on Thursday with the announcement, a bouquet of flowers and balloons, her students showed their support by chanting, "1,2,3 - Lipczynski."

"My philosophy of teaching is really the same as any other educator; give children a voice, and provide a safe place to use that voice. Advocate for them when they can't advocate for themselves. Validate their thoughts and feelings and make sure they know they have value and worth. Educate the whole child by giving them the tools to be successful, academically, socially and emotionally," she said.

Dr. Swoboda said, "Darlene Lipczynski is a selfless advocate for children inside and outside of the classroom. Not only does she continue to strive to provide new learning opportunities for her students, but she also works to ensure students feel included in the school. Though she is not one to seek out recognition, she is so deserving of accolades for her contributions as a caring educator."

When Mrs. Lipczynski is not teaching, her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family and friends. "They keep me grounded and always laughing," she said, adding, "My husband John is so supportive of the work I do, and he is truly one of the best people I know."

The village of Gurnee introduced the Gurnee Teacher of the Year award in 2014 to recognize excellent teachers who support students in the Gurnee community. The award will be presented at a May 1 village board meeting to a teacher from Woodland District 50, Gurnee District 56 and Warren Township High School District 121. Each teacher will be recognized by the village and receive a plaque and a check for $1,000.

Woodland District 50 recognizes the winners from each school who were considered as finalists for Woodland's Gurnee Teacher of the Year:

--Patricia "Trish" O'Neil, Woodland Primary School

--Neva Cosmos, Woodland Elementary West

--Claudine Mardehow, Woodland Elementary East

--Katie Herren, Woodland Intermediate