TEACHER’S PRIZE

CAP CITY

Reading, writing and arithmetic just don’t set in very well with students

unless the person teaching them knows, embodies and promotes the three Rs of education – building relationships, setting rigorous standards and striving to bring relevance of a subject to students’ lives.

It’s those qualities, shown through service that goes beyond the usual, that the Horace Mann Educator of the Year Award seeks to recognize as it solicits nominations for its 2011 prize – cash and a crystal owl or apple. Any educator within Springfield School District 186 is eligible for either the Educator of the Year award, given to those with at least five years of service, or one of three Rising Star awards, given to those with four or fewer years of service.

More information and the two-page nomination forms are available at the district’s website, www.springfield.k12.il.us, and require a letter of recommendation and a narrative about the nominated educator. Entries are due to the Educator of the Year Selection Committee by Feb. 28 at 1900 West Monroe Street.