Twenty-two District 202 teachers will take part in special professional growth programs this summer with the help of a grant designed to support innovative teaching.
The Plainfield Foundation for Excellence created the Professional Development Awards to help individual teachers expand and improve their classroom skills and knowledge.
The Professional Development Awards are for up to $500 each. They can be used to pay for registration fees, tuition, conference/class-related materials, travel, lodging, meals, or other professional development expenses for classes or programs taken in summer 2025.
"We know how hard it can be to find support for professional growth," said Matthew Starr, Vice Chairman of the Foundation for Excellence. "That’s why we’re proud to support our teachers as they continue to grow and inspire."
The 2025 Professional Development Award winners are:
• Sevgi Acik, Plainfield South High School – plans to attend the “2025 Annual American Association of Teachers of French Convention” in Chicago.
• Julie Belka, Bonnie McBeth Learning Center – plans to attend the “When Models Aren't Sticking: A One Day Intensive for Supporting Minimally Speaking Gestalt Language Processors” virtual program.
• Janelle Gray, Grand Prairie Elementary School – plans to attend the “Strengthening Family Student Relationships to Change the School Experience Dominican University” virtual program.
• Lindsey Harl, BMLC – plans to attend the “Ultimate Play Based Speech Therapy Course” virtual program.
• Judy Meier, Wallin Oaks Elementary School – plans to attend the “2025 International Society for Technology in Education ASCD Conference” in San Antonio, Texas.
• Christie Milen, Lincoln Elementary School – plans to attend the “Texas Computer Education Association Librarian Conference” virtual program.
• Elizabeth Pankau, Plainfield East High School – plans to attend the “Savannah College of Art and Design Educator Forum” in Georgia.
• Lee Parrott, Wallin Oaks Elementary School – plans to attend the “Science of Reading-Mini Con” in Racine, Wisconsin.
• Erin Sorenson-Smith, Plainfield North High School – plans to attend the “GenCyber 2025 Teacher Camp” at University of Alabama - Huntsville.
• Kimmi Sorg, Ridge Elementary School – Sorg and 10 teachers plan to attend the “Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Center of Clemson University Virtual Summer Institute” program.
• Becky Young, Aux Sable Middle School – plans to attend the “Google for Education Champions Symposium” in Chicago.
• Amber Yurgil, Central Elementary School – plans to attend the virtual “Play Their Way: Fostering Engagement, Attention, and Emotional Development Through Play CSU-Pueblo” program.
Since 1983, the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence has raised and contributed about $1.2 million to support District 202 students and staff through grants, scholarships, and special funding.
The Foundation also has supported special programs including a District Art Gallery and high school leadership programs.
For more information about the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence or to donate, please visit: www.d202foundation.org.