Wheaton Schools Recognize 3 Teachers for Excellence

The following is a release from District 200:

At the Wednesday, April 11 District 200 Board of Education Meeting, the N.E.W. 200 Foundation honored three District 200 teachers as part of their annual Distinguished Teacher Awards. Each year, the NEW 200 Foundation honors one teacher from the elementary, middle and high school levels who has put forth extra effort to enrich the educational experiences of District 200 students. District 200 is fortunate to have many outstanding teachers in our classrooms and the District’s reputation for high quality education is due in large part to the dedication of its teachers and their ability to inspire students. The annual Distinguished Teacher Award was been established to recognize District 200 teachers for their excellence. Students and parents of students who are currently enrolled in District 200 schools may submit nominations for teachers they believe have gone above and beyond the “call of duty.”
 
This year, the NEW 200 Foundation honored Emily Hull, a kindergarten teacher at Whittier Elementary School; Carrie Provost, an orchestra teacher at Franklin Middle School; and Philip Culcasi a chemistry teacher at Wheaton Warrenville South High School.
 
Emily Hull has been a teacher at Whittier for two years. Several families nominated Emily for the award and say that, “She not only teaches the class as a whole, but also focuses on the needs of each individual and where they need attention. She inspires each student to make individual goals for themselves that are appropriate to their current abilities.”
 
Carrie Provost is in her 25th year with the District and is currently teaching orchestra at Franklin Middle School. In addition to the countless hours she spends with her students at Franklin, her students also appreciate the summer orchestra she holds in her own garage. She also leads the Franklin Fiddlers group which meets once a week and performs in the Franklin Variety Show. According to one of her nominations, “Ms. Provost shares things with us that really help us to either remember or learn techniques.”
 
Phillip Culcasi has been a teacher at Wheaton Warrenville South High School for 10 years. According to his students and their families, Mr. Culcasi “goes above and beyond the requirements of a teacher by being available at any time. He has set up a website for the AP Chemistry kids so they can contact each other or him on matters regarding AP Chemistry.” Students also say that, “Mr. Culcasi teaches in a way that allows for students to discover concepts on their own, as if they were Boyle or Lavoisier or another scientist constructing these laws of science for the first time. It makes science fun and exciting, and encourages us, making science less intimidating and more attractive.”
 
The teachers were honored with a plaque and a gift check.
 
The mission of the NEW 200 Foundation is to enhance the school experience of District 200 students by: funding innovative education; extending educational opportunities; recognizing excellence in teaching; and fostering community partnerships.