Seven U-46 employees earn state recognition in Those Who Excel program

Posted April 06, 2026 11:10 am

By Tara Burghart, Elgin Area School District U-46

Five teachers, an assistant principal, and a school counselor from Elgin Area School District U-46 were recognized recently in the annual Those Who Excel program presented by the Illinois State Board of Education. All seven were honored by the U-46 board with Accent on Achievement certificates at the March 16 meeting.

“These outstanding employees truly embody the dedication, leadership, and care that make a difference in the lives of our students every day,” said Superintendent Suzanne Johnson. “Their commitment to excellence ensures that every learner in our district has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

ISBE’s Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year Awards spotlight teachers, administrators, volunteers, and student support personnel who are making meaningful contributions to students and school communities across Illinois. ISBE will celebrate the awardees at a spring banquet.

Also at the meeting, the U-46 board honored three teachers who have recently renewed their National Board Certification.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards oversees the process for National Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching profession. The initial certification can take a teacher one to three years to complete; a teacher must go through a process to maintain their certificate every five years to keep it active.

Three Elgin Area School District U-46 staff members recognized for renewal of National Board Certification, from left, Laura Rivera, Holly Saxton and Jennifer Mastalka. Courtesy of Elgin Area School District U-46

The honored U-46 employees are as follows:

• Carrie Robicheaux, special education teacher at Eastview Middle School in Bartlett, Award of Excellence — Early Career Educator;

• Caroline Dukich Havelka, social sciences teacher at Streamwood High School; Award of Meritorious Service — Classroom Teacher;

• Tracy Ellegood, special education teacher at Eastview Middle School, Award of Meritorious Service — Classroom Teacher;

• Marc Mota Sr., Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Lead teacher at Streamwood High School, Award of Meritorious Service — Classroom Teacher;

• Graciela Bucio-Diaz, English Language Learners (ELL) Teacher at Streamwood High School, Award of Special Recognition — Classroom Teacher;

• Ian Shaw, school counselor, Streamwood High School, Award of Special Recognition — Student Support Personnel;

• William Shogren, assistant principal for Culture & Climate at the Dream Academy in Elgin, Award of Special Recognition — School Administrator;

Three teachers were honored for their renewal of National Board Certification: Jennifer Mastalka, special education teacher at Highland Elementary School in Elgin; Laura Rivera, special education teacher at Streamwood High School; and Holly Saxton, math teacher at South Elgin High School.