MOLINE — A dozen top local educators were honored as Master Teachers by The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus at the i wireless Center on Friday night.

This year's award winners included four teachers from Moline-Coal Valley, five from Rock Island-Milan and one each from the Rockridge, Riverdale and Silvis districts. Recipients include six high school teachers, five from middle schools and one elementary teacher. Each winner received a specially crafted plaque and a commemorative brass bell.

The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus publisher Jerry Taylor toasted the educators with the words of Clay P. Bedford: "You can teach a student a lesson a day. But if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives."

Kitty Hillyer, a first grade teacher at Jane Addams Elementary in Moline, said she loves so much about her job.

"I love it when I see the light bulb, when you see the 'Aha' moment. It is also the joy the kids bring into the classroom every day. They are always sharing things that are new and fresh for them," she said.

"It is what keeps me feeling good, keeps me young."

Angie Curnyn, an eighth-grade language arts teacher at Wilson Middle School in Moline, said her students challenge her to keep learning.

"I love my job. I love my students. I enjoy engaging them," she said. "I approach each day with how will I capture them today?"

Elizabeth Kantner, a Rock Island High School resource math teacher, said she teaches because of her deep conviction to give back to the community. It's her way to help guide those who will lead in the future.

The 1996 Rock Island High School graduate said she loves that she is walking the same halls again, this time as an educator. "I believe it allows a deeper connection between the students and myself," she said.

Steve Inman, a special education teacher at Washington Junior High in Rock Island, approaches his job with heart. "I treat all of the kids as if they are equal," he said, noting many of his students come from broken homes. "They all need to know someone cares about them, and I let them know I care about them."

He has taught for six years and said he would not change or give up what he does. "I love what I do," he said.

Teachers must love what they do, said Jeff Henry, an eighth-grade math teacher at Rockridge Junior High in Sherrard. "I try to have fun every day. I think my students feel that from me."

Mr. Henry said it is rewarding to teach his students and watch them grow, graduate and become adults. During his 18-year career — 10 at Rockridge — Mr. Henry said he has learned how good kids really are. "It puts faith in me the future is very bright," he said.

Many recipients said the honor was a surprise.

"I was very humbled that all of these people thought I deserved this for something I do for kids, which is what I love," said Mr. Inman.

Ms. Kantner also said she was humbled. "Sometimes we are deep in the trenches, working so hard, as all of us teachers do. It is important educators are recognized. This award I'm receiving, I feel it is for all teachers," she said.

The night also saw a surprise award presented to Dispatch/Argus Newspaper in Education coordinator Sandee Luster. She was presented the 2011 Friend of Education Award by Mark Hepner, principal at Washington Junior High and regional director of the Black Hawk Region of the Illinois Principals Association, which honored Ms. Luster. She is now eligible for state and national recognition, Mr. Hepner said.

The newspapers have recognized 342 teachers since the Master Teacher program began in 1990 to honor educational excellence in the Western Illinois area. UnitedHealthcare is a presenting sponsor.

Winners are chosen by a panel of judges representing education, business, community and the newspapers.




2011 Master Teachers