Teacher's creativity earns her the Innovator award

Margaret Haumiller teaches her third-grade students at Naper Elementary School about government and the economy by letting them create their own "village," and fosters a passion for reading through daily "read and relax" time.

Such creative ways of educating students earned Haumiller the October OfficeMax Teacher Innovator Award. The company honors one Naperville Unit District 203 teacher each month for encouraging excellence through innovation.

"Mrs. Haumiller's passion for education is contagious and has spread like wildfire through her classroom," parent Jennifer Johnson said in her nomination.

"The children are completely engaged in their learning, taking ownership of their projects and eagerly awaiting what might be next."

Haumiller was awarded a $400 OfficeMax gift card and a Hewlett-Packard digital camera and printer. She will be eligible for the Teacher Innovator of the Year Award in the spring.

To nominate a teacher, visit www.naperville203.org/community/TeacherInnovatorProgram.asp.