Rockton Teacher Honored for ‘Overcomer Spirit’ She Radiates

97ZOK's Teacher of the Week from Rockton, Illinois, turned a crushing moment from her childhood into an opportunity to inspire other young people for nearly 30 years.

So much of my life has been guided by these words from the great soul, Maya Angelou.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

So many families have been blessed by the soul of our new Teacher of the Week because of how a teacher once crushed her spirit when she was young. She took those feelings and turned them into nearly three remarkable decades in the classroom.

Congratulations to 97ZOK's Teacher of the Week

Cori Taylor from Stephen Mack Middle School in Rockton, Illinois

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Verena Kessling nominated Cori, she writes,

Mrs Taylor is a teacher that goes the extra mile for her student. She has been a teacher at Stephen Mack Middle school for over 25 years! The same school several of her students went to see glorifies about them coming back and working at! She teaches her students with her heart! She wants them to become what they dream! She ask them what they want to be and says the future President of the United states when she finds out what they choose for the career, whether it be the president or a hair dresser she makes them feel important no matter what their choice! She also teaches what is called incubator besides teaching social studies! Incubator is where she helps the students develop a product and eventually sell their product! She believes in her students and makes them believe in themselves by believing so heartfelt in them!

Listen to Cori share part of her incredible story below.

97ZOK Teacher of the Week-Cori Taylor Stephen Mack Middle School in Rockton, IL by Steve Shannon

As Teacher of the Week, Cori 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.