THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE ARTICLE BY JANA WIERSEMA
ABOVE: Danville High School Principal Jacob Bretz (file photo)
SPRINGFIELD — Six professionals from Champaign, Danville and Monticello schools are among those being recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.
The ISBE announced its 14 Teacher of the Year cohort members Wednesday, along with the 2026 Those Who Excel Awards. Almost 450 educators, administrators and other school staff members were recognized in total.
The area teachers who received awards are as follows:
- Bilingual Teacher of the Year:
- Danielle Mallett, Stratton Academy of the Arts.
- Award of Excellence:
- Tiffany Klang, help desk specialist at Champaign’s Windsor Administrative Center.
- Award of Special Recognition:
- Jacob Bretz, principal at Danville High School; Amanda Lappin, assistant principal at Bottenfield Elementary; and Shaylyn Boman, teachers assistant at Monticello High School.
- Award of Meritorious Service:
- Kendra Brauer, second-grade teacher at Barkstall Elementary.
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