Thornridge High School teacher selected IEA’s State Teacher of the Year 

Stephanie Hortsman, a French teacher at Thornridge High School in Dolton, has been selected by the Illinois Education Association (IEA) as its 2017 Teacher of the Year.

Hortsman was recognized for the honor on Thursday (3/30/17) at the annual Representative Assembly of the IEA. Some 1,200 delegates, guests and state dignitaries attended the event at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.

“Stephanie Hortsman is an outstanding educator who gives her best to her students, school and school district every day,” said IEA President Cinda Klickna. “She is recognized by students and peers alike as a fabulous teacher who makes foreign language come alive in the classroom. She is a dedicated advocate for the IEA. We are proud to honor her as our teacher of the year.”

In making the selection, the IEA awards committee noted that Hortsman has already received formal recognition and a commendation as one of the top five educators in her school. She has also served the IEA local affiliate in the school district, the Faculty Association of District 205, in several capacities, including local representative, executive council and delegate. Hortsman is an active member of the Illinois Council for the Teachers of Foreign Language, American Council for the Teachers of Foreign Language, and the American Association of Teachers of French.

The IEA Teacher of the Year award is named after former IEA President Bob Haisman. The IEA is the state’s largest organization of school employees, representing more than 135,000 members.

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Bridget Shanahan
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