‘She Refuses to Give Up': Rockford Teacher Honored for Extraordinary Dedication

We're celebrating one final teacher for the 2025-2026 school year.  How exciting!

Over the last year, we have surprised so many incredible educators in the Stateline.  None of these deliveries would be possible without the help from our friends at Nothing Bundt Cakes, WM DaySpa Salon, and Redd Insurance Group.  So, thank you to everyone who celebrated with us throughout every classroom visit!

Now, let's get to our final Teacher of the Week!

97ZOK TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Congratulations, Rebecca Gocken from Winnebago Juvenile Detention Center!

Read More: Machesney Park Teacher Proving Great Educators Change Lives

Rebecca's coworker, George Johnson, wrote this beautiful letter:

"Becky Gocken is a profoundly dedicated educator. She gives herself fully to her work and models a rare kind of diligence and integrity.

 

Let me tell you a brief story. This year, Ms. Becky was involved in a very serious car accident. At the same time, we had a student nearing completion of the final requirements for his senior courses. He was exhausted, beginning to lose momentum, and the submission window was quickly closing."

Related: Rockford Celebrates a Teacher Whose Impact Lasts a Lifetime

"The day after her accident, Ms. Becky came directly from the hospital to the classroom — bruised, hurting, and limping — because she was determined to see that young man through to graduation. It was an extraordinary act of kindness and commitment.

 

I had the privilege of witnessing, with great tenderness, the sincerity and devotion she offers every student. She is loved here because she is steadfast. She refuses to give in, and she refuses to give up.

 

We should all be so fortunate to have a Ms. Becky in our lives."

Teachers in our community are built different.  Their dedication to their work, endless support for their students, and working around the clock to make sure their students succeed is so admirable.  Thank you to every single teacher we've surprised this year, and to all the teachers we weren't able to honor.  Your work does not go unnoticed.

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

Hear the full interview below with Rebecca Gocken with 97ZOK.

REBECCA GOCKEN INTERVIEW