Roscoe Celebrates a Teacher Who Makes School Feel Like Magic

Every once in a while, a teacher comes along who turns school into something more than lessons and homework… they turn it into magic. This week’s Teacher of the Week is the kind of educator who makes students feel safe, excited, and genuinely happy to walk into the classroom each morning. Through warmth, creativity, and an incredible level of dedication, she has created an environment where learning feels joyful and every child feels truly cared for, and for one Roscoe family, the impact has been nothing short of unforgettable.

97ZOK Teacher of the Week

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Congratulations, Ashley Weidman from Ledgewood Elementary School in Roscoe, Illinois

Kelli Jo Scaduto nominated Ashley, she writes,

I am so honored to nominate Mrs. Ashley Weidman for Teacher of the Week. My daughter, Halliway, is a first-grade student in Mrs. Weidman’s class at Ledgewood Elementary School in Roscoe, Illinois. From the very first moment we met her at “Meet the Teacher” night back in August, Halliway and I both knew this school year was going to be something truly magical. From her Disney-themed classroom, to her gorgeous, flowing Disney-Princess-inspired outfits, to the warmth and excitement she brings into every single day — Mrs. Weidman instantly made school feel like a place of joy, safety, and wonder.

Mrs. Weidman is one of the most loving, dedicated, and passionate teachers I have ever encountered. Because of her, my daughter has grown tremendously this year — academically, emotionally, and socially. Halliway has learned sight words, reading skills, and even understands things like parts of speech and verb tenses (which she proudly explains to us at home!). More importantly, she has gained confidence and a true love for learning. She wakes up excited to go to school every single day, and as a parent, there is no greater gift than that.

Mrs. Weidman consistently goes above and beyond for her students. One example is her incredible 12 Days of Christmas celebration, where she created themed days filled with special moments, surprises, and memories that the kids will never forget. She pours her heart into making learning fun and meaningful.

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What truly sets Mrs. Weidman apart, though, is her unwavering dedication. She recently underwent a total knee replacement due to an injury from her love of running. Even then, she refused to let her students down. After a medical appointment just before surgery, she came into school anyway — because she had promised her students a popcorn movie day, and she kept that promise. She is now back in the classroom teaching on crutches with a knee brace and has not missed a beat, a lesson, or a moment with her students.

Mrs. Weidman is the kind of teacher people remember for the rest of their lives. She leads with heart, dedication, and pure magic, even when it would be easier to slow down — she never does. Her students, their families, and her entire school are better because of her. Mrs. Ashley Weidman doesn’t just deserve recognition — she deserves to WIN Teacher of the WEEK!!! We love you Mrs. Weidman. Thank you forever.

As Teacher of the Week, Ashley was surprised with a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, money to spend at WM Day Spa Salon, and lunch courtesy of Redd Insurance Group.

We talked about 'extra love', Disney magic, the special moments with families that mean so much to her, and when 97ZOK first met Ashley and learned about her love of one VERY popular zombie TV show. You can listen to our conversation below.

97ZOK Teacher of the Week-Ashley Weidman from Ledgewood Elementary in Roscoe, Illinois by Steve Shannon

Click HERE to see past Teachers of the Week.

You can nominate your favorite teacher HERE.

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