Kane educator of the year teaches volunteering, too

Terri Dawson doesn't just volunteer herself. She teaches and encourages hundreds of students to become involved in their community and help others.

For her work as a volunteer, science teacher and student advocate at Jacobs High School in Algonquin, she was awarded the Kane County Educator of the Year award Friday at a Pheasant Run banquet in St. Charles.

"I have found Terri's enthusiasm and desire to help students achieve their greatest potential contagious," wrote District 300 Superintendent Kenneth Arndt in a nomination letter.

Dawson takes an interest in each student, encouraging and empowering them to do their best, colleagues said. She puts in hours of time before and after school to provide extra help.

More Coverage Stories The other Kane Co. educators honored [5/10/08]

In biology class, she teaches with songs and mnemonic devices. She makes sure lessons have connections to the real world and includes lots of hands-on activities.

"My class knew that Mrs. Dawson cared about us and wanted us to succeed," wrote student Kristen Johnson in a nomination letter. She referred to Dawson as a "mom/teacher."

Maggie Jung, head of the school's science department, said teachers look forward to working with Dawson.

"She has creative ideas, realistic approaches, emphasizes labs and hands-on work," she wrote in a nomination letter. "And she always pulls more than her own weight in the burden of preparation."

Dawson started the Interact Club at the school in 1996 to promote community service. In its first year it had 25 members. Now it boasts 300 members and is the largest club at the school.

As the sponsor of the school's Project Ignition group, she's helped to secure more than $100,000 in grants and brought the school national recognition. The program encourages teenagers to drive safely and make good driving decisions.

She is a proponent of service learning and diversity in the district. She works on the Extended Campus program getting students internships in the area and meeting with them weekly to discuss it.

In her time in District 300, she has also coached poms, volleyball, tennis and been a sponsor for the National Honor Society. Through all of her work she's set a strong example for her students, colleagues said.

"Her optimism, passion and exceptional character have inspired me to become just like her#8230; someday," wrote student Nimi Chirayil.