Charleston, IL – The Regional Office of Education #11 (ROE #11) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Recognition of Excellence Award. This annual honor celebrates outstanding education professionals across the region who demonstrate exceptional skill, unwavering dedication, and a remarkable ability to inspire students from all backgrounds and abilities.
Selected from a pool of nominations, these awardees have earned the deep respect of students, parents, colleagues, and communities through their outstanding leadership, innovative teaching, and meaningful involvement both inside and beyond the classroom. One recipient was chosen from each school district, recognizing their profound contributions to educational excellence and student success.
Nominations for the award were accepted through February 2026. A dedicated selection committee carefully reviewed each candidate, evaluating their professional accomplishments and their role as leaders and role models in their schools and communities.
Regional Superintendent Dr. Kyle Thompson praised the honorees, saying, “These remarkable educators remind us that great teaching goes far beyond imparting knowledge—it’s about igniting a spark of curiosity and fueling a lifelong love of learning. Their ability to connect with every student and help them reach their fullest potential is truly extraordinary.”
He added, “In a rapidly changing world, these dedicated professionals serve as steady guides for our students, proving that the heart of education beats strongest when driven by passion, purpose, and genuine care.”
The ROE #11 Recognition of Excellence Award highlights the superior talent and lasting impact of these educators. Their commitment not only fosters academic growth but also shapes stronger communities by inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and achieve more.
Congratulations to the following 2026 ROE #11 Recognition of Excellence Award Recipients:
Arcola CUSD #306: Eric Butler
Arthur CUSD #305: Hillary Chupp
Bridges: Teresa Metzger
Casey-Westfield CUSD #C-4: Brent Ritter
Charleston CUSD #1: Tiffany Oakley
Cowden-Herrick CUSD #3A: Angela Jefferies
Cumberland CUSD #77: Todd Hall
EIASE: Laura LaFrence
Edgar County CUSD #6: Nicole Cox
Kansas CUSD #3: Anne Happ
Marshall CUSD #C-2: J.J. McFarland
Martinsville CUSD #C-3: Lynn Smith
Mattoon CUSD #2: Tracey Perry
Mid-America Preparatory School: Samantha Allen
Neoga CUSD #3: Amy Brown
Oakland CUSD #5: Amanda Coffey
Okaw Valley CUSD #302: Ronda Yantis
Paris CUSD #4: Chrissy Carrell
Paris Cooperative High School: Brett Block
Shelbyville CUSD #4: Rebekah Drone
Shiloh CUSD #1: Amy Nickell
Stewardson-Strasburg CUSD #5A: Andria Verdeyen
St. John’s Lutheran School: Brittney Johns
St. Michael School: Becky Schumacher
Sullivan CUSD #300: Tara Bates
Tuscola CUSD #301: Mark Sweeney
Trinity Lutheran School: Doreen Whybrew
Villa Grove CUSD #302: Lauren Wendling
Windsor CUSD #1: Kathy Newlin
ROE #11 Recognition of Excellence Award Recipients were presented a certificate and award.
The Regional Office of Education #11 comprises 25 public schools, 4 non-public schools, and other associated regional education programs that together enroll approximately 20,000 students across more than 3,500 square miles of East Central Illinois. ROE #11 is located at 730 7th Street, Charleston, IL 61920. Contact the office by calling 217-348-0151 or by visiting www.roe11.org.
