Champaign Teacher Finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year

A Champaign middle school teacher has been named a finalist for the Illinois Teacher of the Year award.

Christine Adrian teaches 8th grade social studies at Jefferson Middle School. An 11-year veteran at Jefferson, Adrian said she is excited about the prospect of this award advancing her role in the classroom.

“Fortunately, there are prizes associated with it, including a bunch of smart board resources, so furthering that technology that I can use in the classroom," Adrian said. "I think just the ability of other teachers to recognize that I’m out there and hopefully contact me, and get some more ideas from other teachers.”

In a statement, State Board of Education Chairman Gery Chico said the nine finalists for “Teacher of the Year” do a good job keeping up with changes in education, while improving their own classroom practices.

“These nine teachers are vibrant leaders who reflect Illinois’ commitment to ensuring students learn and succeed,” Chico said. “They represent the best of the best across the state, and this program gives us the opportunity to publicly recognize their efforts.”

The Illinois Teacher of the Year will be announced during a ceremony on Oct. 20.