The Stillman Valley social studies teacher has been named among the best in the state, according to the Illinois Board of Education.

Adding to the list of positive things going on in and around the Stateline area, Stillman Valley High School's social studies teacher Bill Polasky is one of ten finalists for the 2019 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

Culled from over 200 nominations, several of the finalists teach in and around the Chicagoland area, but Downstate Illinois is well represented, too.

Here's a look at the ten teachers being considered for the title of Teacher of the Year:

William “Bill” Polasky is a social studies teacher in grades 9-12 at Stillman Valley High School, located in Stillman Valley, in Meridian Community Unit School District 223.

Roger Baldwin teaches chemistry, physics, physical science, and theater/drama at Clinton High School, located in Clinton, in Clinton Community Unit School District 15.

Susan Converse is a special education teacher at Edwardsville High School, located in Edwardsville, in Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7.

Richard “Rick” Coppola teaches language arts at South Loop Elementary School, located in Chicago, in Chicago Public Schools 299.

LoriAnne Frieri, Ed.D., is a social studies teacher at William Fremd High School, located in Palatine, in Township High School District 211.

Stephanie Lerch teaches fifth-grade math and science at Red Bud Elementary School, located in Red Bud, in Red Bud Community Unit School District 132.

Benjamin Luginbuhl is a vocal music/chorus teacher who also teaches AP music theory and American popular music at Normal Community High School, located in Normal, in McLean County Unit School District 5.

Sara Magnafichi teaches first grade at Admiral Byrd Elementary School, located in Elk Grove, in Community Consolidated School District 59.

Katherine Whitington, Ph.D., teaches English, dual-credit philosophy, Advanced Placement English literature, and composition at Percy L. Julian High School, located in Chicago, in Chicago Public Schools 299.

The teacher of the year will be announced at a banquet in October.

Good luck, Bill!

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