Du Quoin CUSD 300
Educator of the Month Recognitions - December 2022
The Educator of the Month program is designed to recognize employees who: put others first; go above and beyond to make a difference in their role; carry out each day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic and demonstrate innovation, creativity, and passion for their job. Each of these honorees are advancing the district vision of “Working Together for All Students!”
Please join us in congratulating the following educators recognized for the month of December; Jamie Gaines, Michele Jones, and Leah Winter. They each received a certificate of recognition, Alongi's gift card, DQ swag filled with candy and balloons!
Congratulations Jamie Gaines
Jamie is a special education teacher at DMS and has been in the district for 18 years. With the closure of the Tri-County REACH class for middle school, Mrs. Gaines has increased responsibilities, teaching multiple subjects from four grades for students in at various levels. She completes well over 60 lesson plans a week. Although mentally demanding, Jamie never complains and has taken this challenge on willingly because she knows the students needed her. She works tirelessly to educate her students. She is a rock star! ~ Nominated by (Three) Anonymous peers and Tara Pyron
🎉Michele Jones
Michele is the DES music teacher and director for the middle school chorus. She is in her first official year with the district, after having been a long-time sub for many years. Michele is doing a great job. The students are singing, moving with music, and learning musical instruments. The fourth grade program was so entertaining and cheerful! Several parents were heard saying it’s the best they’ve seen in years! Michele isn't just doing her job; joy exuded from her throughout the entire program. What a blessing to our district and our kids to have her here! Thank you for your hard work, positivity, and dedication!! ~ Nominator Anonymous and 4th Grade Parent Ali Miller
You Deserve it! Leah Winter
Leah is a math teacher at the high school and has been in the district 15 years. Leah always goes above and beyond for whatever her students need. She comes to school before the sun comes up and does not leave until the sun goes down, giving any available time to make sure her students learn. She is admired for her commitment and is a model to others on how to give as much as can to your students to see them grow. She is as passionate about math as her students and it shows everyday in everyway, doing whatever she can to see her students benefit! ~ Nominated by Anonymous and Emily McKinney
Nominations for January Educator of the Month is open until Thursday, Jan. 26 with three new awardee being recognizing the last week of January. The nomination form can be accessed on the district website above and selecting Educator of the Month!