Elementary West Teacher Named Woodland's Gurnee Teacher of the Year

Woodland Elementary West Special Education teacher Traci Strieter will be recognized by the village of Gurnee on May 7 as one of its three Teachers of the Year for 2018.

Mrs. Strieter started her teaching career six years ago at Woodland. Prior to her current teaching assignment, she taught third grade and supported special education students in a general classroom setting. Her nomination was among more than 300 this year from students, staff and parents at Woodland District 50. The village will recognize her and a teacher from Gurnee District 56 and Warren Township High School at a village board meeting.

Woodland Superintendent Dr. Joy A. Swoboda said, "Traci is a teacher who inspires learning in students of all abilities and the gift of inspiration she brings to the classroom helps students consistently go beyond expectations. We are so proud she is part of the Woodland family."

Traci was surprised with the announcement at Elementary West this morning as she was presented with a certificate, flowers and balloons from Dr. Lori Casey, Associate Superintendent of Education, Dr. Donna R. VandenBroek, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, Principal Ryan Wollberg and Assistant Principals Jennifer Pilcher and Kristi Blasius. She walked out of her classroom to a parade of first grade students and teachers cheering for her and congratulating her.

"It is humbling and it is an honor. I absolutely love teaching and I love coming to work each day," Mrs. Strieter said.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Mrs. Strieter is highly respected by students, staff, and community members as someone with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude who always is among the first to volunteer. In the classroom, she is always on her feet, enthusiastically moving from station to station finding ways to engage her students by teaching to their specific strengths and lifting them up to be successful.

Her colleagues rely on her knowledge and expertise about special needs students. She has taken a leadership role at Woodland and presented to staff on topics related to academics and student behavior.

Mr. Wollberg said, "As a valued member of the Elementary West staff, Traci inspires her students and her colleagues each day with her knowledge, her energy and her insights. She does what outstanding teachers do best - reach out to understand students and deliver the best for her children."

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Strieter is always in attendance and when she is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her supportive husband, Erik, at track meets for their 15-year-old son, Joe, or exercising at the gym. Another son, Tony, is in the U.S. Navy and daughter, Nicole, is in college working toward a master's degree.

Woodland District 50 recognizes the winners from each school who were considered as finalists for Woodland's Gurnee Teacher of the Year:

Amber Beutel - Woodland Primary

Katie Howell - Woodland Elementary East

Jennifer Baker - Woodland Intermediate

Lisa Wenckus - Woodland Middle School