Judson University named 2015 Christian College of Distinction
Judson University, a Christian liberal arts college in Elgin, was among 58 higher learning institutions named as "2015 Christian Colleges of Distinction" for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Recipients are recognized nationally by education professionals for being an excellent school with a strong focus on teaching undergraduates and providing innovative learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth, according to the website and e-guidebook CollegesofDistinction.com.
Such schools also are highly valued by graduate schools and prospective employers.
High school teachers and college counselors nominate the schools. Among the considered factors are reviews of each institution's freshman experience, and its general education program, strategic plan and alumni success.
Since 1999, CollegesofDistinction.com has highlighted colleges that meet and exceed these high standards.
Judson is among only four colleges or universities in Illinois to receive the "Christian Colleges of Distinction" honor. Other Illinois schools recognized included: Concordia University Chicago, Olivet Nazarene University and Wheaton College.
"Ongoing commitment to student engagement, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes has earned Judson recognition as a member of the 2015-2016 Colleges of Distinction," College of Distinction founder Wes Creel said.
District 155 schools ranked among best in nation: Niche.com ranked all four Crystal Lake High School District 155 schools among the best public high schools in Illinois and the nation.
Each school's rank was determined based on statistics and student and parent opinions. More than 14,000 American public high schools received a numerical ranking.
District 155 schools ranked as follows in Illinois and nationally:
Prairie Ridge High School - 49th (Illinois); 836th (nation)
Cary-Grove High School - 57th (Illinois); 961st (nation)
Crystal Lake Central High School - 73rd (Illinois); 1,517th (nation)
Crystal Lake South High School - 109th (Illinois); 3,063rd (nation)
Prairie Ridge, Cary-Grove, and Central each received an overall grade of A. Crystal Lake South received a B+.
According to Niche, a high ranking in overall experience indicates students are happy with academics, teachers, safety, resources, facilities, extracurricular activities, and sports.
Niche.com provides rankings and reviews about neighborhoods, K-12 schools, and colleges. It was founded as CollegeProwler.com by Carnegie Mellon University students in 2002.
Substitute paraeducators sought: Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 is seeking substitute paraeducators for students with special needs.
Paraeducators work with a teacher in a classroom setting to provide support for an indivual student's needs or to support various students within a special education classroom. Paraeducators also provide support for students in various school activities.
To apply, applicants must:
• be at least 20 years old
• have an associate degree
• have completed at least 60 semester hours or
• have scored a 460 or higher on the ParaPro test or
• hold a valid Illinois Substitute License or Professional Educator License
Eligible candidates must pass a background check, including finger printing at own expense, a physical, tuberculosis, and drug screening (at own expense), and participate in a four-hour substitute training program.
The hourly rate for substitute paraeducators is $12.50 an hour. Interested persons can apply at d300.org/employment.