South Cook News

The Homewood School District 153 Board of Education recognized two staff members for their hard work during a meeting held on Jan. 9.

Churchill School special education teacher Laura Kozel earned the renewal of her National Board Certification, which is given by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. It's considered one of the most prestigious and rigorous certifications that a teacher can receive, and it is maintained by renewing it every five years by taking certain courses and programs.

Churchill Principal Sara Schnoor commended Kozel's 25-year teaching career, with 18 of those years spent in Homewood and in special education. Schnoor also thanked Kozel for her dedication to her students, her building, and her district, adding that she was delighted to have been a part of her recertification.

"You've been so committed and so dedicated to your craft and we couldn't be more delighted and more fortunate to have you be a part of the Churchill team," Schnoor said. "You are a leader within our building, you are an incredible educator. Your students are so lucky to have you. You're a representative on our building leadership team and mentor new staff and have student teachers. So of course, you truly are a gift to us."

The board also presented Cathryne Czarnecki with the Jerry Morin award, named after a longtime Homewood Board member and president who has since retired. The award is also the highest achievement that the district bestows. Czarnecki had also won a prior Jerry Morin award several years ago when she worked as a teacher. The board praised her for her work as a district math instructional coach, among other roles, calling her a go-to person for teachers looking for help with instructional techniques, data analysis, and general advice.