Stillman Valley Teacher’s Extraordinary Kindness Earns Praise And Recognition

Highland Elementary's Courtney Jones earns the title of 97ZOK Teacher of the Week for her outstanding commitment to students and families. Nominated by a parent for her exceptional kindness and support, Courtney's actions during a challenging period exemplify her dedication to education.

97ZOK Teacher of the Week

Congratulations, Courtney Jones from Highland Elementary School in Stillman Valley, Illinois.

Kelley Connell nominated Courtney, she writes,

I can go on and on forever about all the positive qualities Ms. Jones has and why those qualities make her an amazing teacher. I was nervous for my daughter to start kindergarten but Ms. Jones really took her under her wing and made the transition easy. She stays in constant communication with parents, updating them of not only any issues in class but funny stories and events that really makes parents feel like you are a part of the learning experience.

 

 

However, I am nominating her because of how incredibly kind and helpful she was during the hardest time of my life. Back in October my fourth child was born 4 weeks premature. He was hooked up to IVs and machines helping him breathe and I spent the majority of the days after I left the hospital with him in the NICU. My daughter really struggled with me being gone so much and with her little brother being so sick.

 

 

Ms. Jones went out of her way every single day to love on my daughter - taking selfies with her to make her smile, letting her bring in a family picture to keep at her desk when she was sad, messaging me about what kind of day she was having and requesting pictures of her baby brother. Ms. Jones would give my daughter her phone to look at the picture I sent and she was allowed to show her friends in class or just sit and look at it herself. As hard as that whole situation was for our family Ms. Jones really eased my mind that my daughter was safe and with someone that genuinely cared about her wellbeing. I feel spoiled to have had Ms. Jones as my child's teacher and my only hope is that we can find some way to clone her so every child gets to experience how special of a teacher she really is.

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97ZOK Teacher of the Week-Courtney Jones from Highland Elementary in Stillman Valley, IL by Steve Shannon

As Teacher of the Week, Courtney was surprised with a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes and money to spend at WM Day Spa Salon.

If you would like to nominate your favorite teacher, click HERE.

Click HERE to see past Teachers of the Week.

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