L-W East Teacher Honored by Illinois State Board of Education

A teacher from was honored by the Illinois State Board of Education and two state teacher associations last month for her outstanding performance in the classroom.

Wendy Hegarty, who teaches economics at Lincoln-Way East, was among 29 educators from across the state of Illinois honored at the Exemplary Teacher Recognition Award Luncheon held June 21 in Springfield.

The luncheon was hosted by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT).

“These are teachers who go above and beyond expectations on a daily basis,” Christopher Koch, state superintendent of education, stated in a press release issued by the Illinois State Board of Education.

“They are professionals who set a high bar for themselves and work with the best interest of their students in mind at all times,” he added. “We join their colleagues and local communities in recognizing them for their excellent skills and dedication.”

This was the second year the State Board, IEA and IFT hosted an Exemplary Teacher Award Luncheon. The 29 honorees were selected by their respective professional education organizations.

Hegarty was selected by the Illinois Council for Economic Education.

“It was nice to talk to teachers in other fields at the luncheon,” said Hegarty, who joined art, science, math and social science teachers from Champaign, Bolingbrook, Schaumburg, Hinsdale, Libertyville, Winnetka and Arlington Heights at the awards ceremony. Other communities represented at the ceremony included Hoffman Estates, Orland Park, Evanston, Glenview, Peoria, Jacksonville, Highland Park, Elmhurst, Flossmoor, Urbana, Aurora, Orion, Morris, Pekin and Oakwood.

“I am grateful to the Illinois Council for Economic Education for nominating me for this honor,” said Hegarty.