Du Quoin, IL – February 21, 2025 – The Du Quoin Community Unit School District 300 is honored to announce that the Instructional Coaching Team has been selected to receive the prestigious Award of Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in the Team category. The team consists of three teacher-instructional coaches, Mandie Davis, Sammy Morris and John Vercellino. This recognition celebrates the team's unwavering commitment to educational excellence, student success, and collaboration.
The Award of Excellence is the highest honor in the Those Who Excel awards program, recognizing educators who have made a profound impact on their students and school communities. The Instructional Coaching Team at Du Quoin CUSD 300 exemplifies the qualities that the award seeks to highlight: a dedication to equity, a focus on student achievement, and a relentless drive to foster positive school cultures. Through their collaboration with colleagues, students, and families, they have helped cultivate an environment where all students are empowered to succeed.
In addition to receiving the award, the Du Quoin Instructional Coaching Team has been invited to attend the 51st Annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet, to be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025. At the banquet, they will be presented with their award certificate and will join other distinguished educators from across Illinois for an evening of celebration and recognition.
“We are incredibly proud of our Instructional Coaching Team for their exceptional work and the positive impact they have had on our students and schools,” said Diana Rea, Acting Superintendent of Du Quoin CUSD 300. “Mandie Davis, Sammy Morris and John Vercellino; the Du Quoin CUSD 300 Instructional Coaching team, exemplify the qualities that represent and uplift the image of the education profession. Their commitment to their duties, alongside their impactful contributions reflect the core values of our district, ‘Working Together for All Students’ and are a testament to their dedication and the powerful connections.”
The Du Quoin CUSD 300 Instructional Coaching Team’s attitude is grounded in lifelong learning, community engagement, and inspiring fellow educators. Their contributions go beyond the classroom, influencing both the local educational landscape and the wider community. This honor is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to the success of all students.
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