The other Kane Co. educators honored

In addition to Kane County Educator of the Year Terri Dawson, nine educators were honored for their work on Friday night.

Private/parochial award: Sister Margaret Gazdik, Clare Woods Academy, Bartlett.

Gazdik is always looking for new ways to connect with and encourage students.

If she can't find the right materials to help one of her special education students learn, she'll create them herself. That means she's often the first one to work and the last one to leave.

"She is a role model of acceptance, perseverance and creativity for all of the staff," wrote principal Anne M. Craig in a nomination letter. "She is tireless in her efforts to find ways to reach her students."

She also spearheads the school's programs that encourage good character. Students don't ever doubt that she loves all of them, colleagues said.

Support staff award: Randi Ochsenschlager, West Aurora School District.

For 40 years and through five superintendents, Ochsenschlager has been a source of support and encouragement in the district office.

"She was the constant, the one person with the continuity to provide context in almost any situation," former superintendent Gary D. Jewel wrote in a nomination letter.

Ochsenschlager is the first to work each day at 6 a.m., and serves as a mentor to new administrators.

Deemed "the first lady of District 129," she goes far beyond her duties as assistant and board of education secretary, serving on the Foundation for West Aurora Schools, the West Aurora Alumni Association and planning events.

Associate educator of the year: Tammy Chiovari, East Aurora School District.

As an educator for hearing-impaired students, Chiovari has been a strong advocate and supporter of special-education students at East Aurora's child service center.

She wrote a book, "Harold the Magic Hearing Aid," that sold out its 1,000 copies and she is planning a sequel.

She started sign language classes at two schools and regularly teaches about signing to Scout and parent groups. A dedicated volunteer herself, Chiovari spearheaded a school drive to collect baby items for Hesed House that brought her students statewide recognition.

"She has made a positive difference in so many people's lives," wrote Valerie Gudgeon, director of student services and special education, in a nomination letter.

Elementary teacher of the year: Ann Ramsey, Harrison Street Elementary, Geneva School District.

Even after students have left Ramsey's class, they are still a part of her life.

Each year she throws a Christmas party for each of her past classes, and she can still be counted on to help edit a high school paper. Teaching accelerated reading and math at Harrison, Ramsey made class fun, her students said. Classes have put on a mock trial of Peter Rabbit, won ice cream parties for a job well done and learned with rhymes.

Former student Emily Ritchie wrote in her nomination letter that it was too bad that she missed out on enjoying math until having Ramsey as a teacher.

"One of the greatest things about her is her high regard for her students," she wrote. "She treated all of us like we were adults, instead of 10-year-olds."

Middle school teacher of the year: Jonathan Gaspar, Waldo Middle School, East Aurora School District.

There's no bigger supporter of Waldo Middle School's students, staff and activities than Gaspar.

He's helped out on multiple school activities, as a football coach, newspaper sponsor, athletic director, basketball coach and golf coach.

The careers and computers teacher is totally dedicated to the job, colleagues said.

"With Jon, you get total commitment and assurance that all tasks will be done only to the highest degree," wrote former principal Lenore Hernandez in a nomination letter. "He will not accept it any other way."

High school teacher of the year: Ronald Brown, St. Charles North High School.

Whatever time and help is needed to finish a project, Brown is there for his students.

Brown, who teaches engineering, drafting and woods classes, opens up the classrooms on nights and weekends for students needing to work on a project. He also helps students live up to his high expectations.

"He teaches us the work ethic and determination that we need in the real world," student David Gow wrote in a nomination letter.

He also coaches cross country and coached a team to first place nationally in Daimler-Chrysler's "Build Your Dream Vehicle" contest.

Administrator of the year: Charles McCormick, Kaneland School District.

At Kaneland, people don't refer to McCormick as "the superintendent," school board president Lisa Wiet said. It's always "Charlie."

McCormick, who has held the top position at the district since 1998, excels in open communication and supporting employees, colleagues said.

He has formed citizens committees to gather more resident input, worked to bring all the towns in the district together on issues related to the district and supported technology, fine arts and vocational programs.

"Charlie possesses a very special blend of unique talent, insight and an ability to see the bigger picture and the greater good in all people," wrote former administrator Bernie Looney in a nomination letter.

Regional superintendent award: Tom Hay, District 300.

Since Hay has become assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, test scores have been higher than they've ever been. Staff retention is higher, too.

Colleagues of Hay's attribute that to his dedication and commitment to the job.

"Many of the positive and successful changes that have occurred in District 300 are a direct result of Tom's leadership," wrote Elaine S. Morton, special populations coordinator, in a nomination letter.

He has worked on long-range curriculum and strategic planning, as well as working to get all the schools on the same plans.

Regional superintendent award: Verene Huizenga, Rotolo Middle School, Batavia School District.

Huizenga is a problem solver. Not only does the math teacher sponsor the school's Problem Solving Club, she also is a trusted resource for other teachers who need advice.

Colleagues said students understand that she cares about them and wants them to succeed, and some students who hate math coming into her class love it when they leave.

She's often the last one to leave the school at night.

"Student failure is not an option and she will spend an infinite amount of time with students until they succeed," wrote former principal Harold J. Wolff in a nomination letter.