Naperville Central teacher in running for Illinois Teacher of the Year

Naperville Central teacher Patricia Adamatis has been named one of eight finalists for the Illinois Teacher of the Year Award.

In her more than 20 years at the school, she has developed its adapted physical education program, helping special needs students participate in gym class.

A 1978 Central graduate, Adamatis has also coached basketball and softball at the school.

She is one of three suburban finalists this year out of 170 total nominees.

"What it all boils down to is how much they go above and beyond," said Ann Muraro of the Illinois State Board of Education. "For 365 days a year, they are out there and striving to help their kids learn in anyway they can."

Teacher of the Year will be announced Oct. 13 at a special awards banquet in Decatur. The winner will represent Illinois at NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala. and in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

Naperville Unit District 203 has been a regular contender for the award. Last year Ranch View Elementary teacher Lynn Rule was a finalist.