Monday’s District 150 meeting was “math-a-licous” -- as one enthusiastic teacher was recognized for being named Best Teacher by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Kim Thomas teaches math at Woodruff Career and Technical Center. She choked back tears after thanking the district for their support.
“I feel so math-tastic and honored to have this award,” Thomas said.
She went on to thank her principal Tom Blumer, who describes meeting her as “getting hit by a bulldozer made of math.”
As the state Teacher of the Year, Thomas will have an opportunity to share her knowledge and expertise outside the classroom at teaching workshops and conferences.
Thomas will represent Illinois at the National Teacher of the Year program in April 2016.
This is the first time a Peoria teacher has received the distinction in 20 years. Valeria Pierce, a District 150 administrator, was Illinois’ Teacher of the Year in 1997.