Willow School 1^st-grade teacher Kathy Thompson is the latest recipient of School District 153’s “Jerry Morin Excellence in Education Award.” The quarterly award recognizes outstanding teaching in School District 153 and was established in honor of former school board member Jerry Morin who retired in 2007 after 14 years of service.   The District’s Board of Education honored Thompson during its April 23rd meeting.

Willow School Principal Mary Ann Savage praised Thompson’s willingness to think outside the box and experiment with new ways to help students.  Thompson was the first to use the “Daily 5” method of literacy instruction in her classroom.  She also piloted the use of stability balls as a replacement for desk chairs at the school.

“Her classroom is like a little learning lab,” said Savage.