By WJBC Staff
NORMAL – The Illinois Teacher of the Year is an Illinois State University alum.
The Illinois State Board of Education announced Dwight Township High School English Teacher Lindsey Jensen as the winner Saturday at their ‘Those Who Excel Banquet’ in Normal.
More than 230 teachers, education leaders, and support staff were recognized at the event.
“Lindsey Jensen exemplifies teacher leadership,” said State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith. “Leadership to me means taking responsibility for things you care about. Lindsey Jensen does just that. Students leave her classroom with an expanded understanding of their own potential.”
Colleagues and students described Jensen as infusing the best of research-based instructional practices with high expectations and infectious positivity. Jensen’s many contributions to her school community include helping to redesign the English curriculum and organizing students and faculty in philanthropic events to raise thousands of dollars for the Special Olympics. Jensen also supervises student teachers, coaches her colleagues, volunteers as an adviser for students’ extracurricular clubs and activities, and serves her professional association.
“I believe education equals empowerment,” said Jensen. “Teachers are in the business of human beings, and teaching requires becoming part of students’ lives and making connections that no other professional experiences.”
Jensen’s teaching career began 12 years ago as a teacher’s aide in a junior high behavioral disorder classroom. Jensen, now in her ninth year as a high school English teacher, still calls upon her special education experience. Jensen presents content in different ways – including through singing – and gives students the opportunity to show what they know in different formats.
“Her teaching style goes beyond wanting students to earn good grades in her classes,” said Dwight Township High School student Rebecca Ruder, who submitted a letter in support of Jensen’s nomination for Teacher of the Year. “She wants her students to really understand the material and leave the course being proud of what they have learned and the literature they have produced.”
Jensen received a Bachelor of Science in speech communication from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in teaching in secondary education from Oakland City University. She is earning her doctorate in teaching and learning from Illinois State University.
