Darcy O’Connor Wins Illinois Computing Educators “2018 Educator of the Year Award”

[March 03, 2018] 

MIDDLETOWN

Darcy O’Connor, 4th grade teacher at New Holland-Middletown Elementary School, New Holland-Middletown Elementary District 88, has been selected as the 2018 winner of the Illinois Computing Educators' 2018 Educator of the Year Award in the Classroom Teacher category. Ms. O’Connor was presented with her award at the Illinois Computing Educators (ICE) State Conference, held February 26 – 28, 2018, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Conference Center in Schaumburg, IL.

Each year Illinois Computing Educators selects one educator in each of two categories – one classroom teacher and one technology administrator/specialist, for this prestigious award. Educators are nominated for this award by colleagues, fellow teachers, students, and school administrators who feel that the nominee has made outstanding contributions to the integration of technology and the improvement of teaching and learning in their school or district. Once nominated, candidates must complete an extensive application process that is reviewed, evaluated, and scored by members of the ICE Educator of the Year Committee. Selections are then confirmed by the ICE Executive Board for final approval.

Darcy O’Connor graduated with a BS in Elementary Education from Illinois College, and is in her 6th year teaching. In December of 2017, she completed a Masters of Arts in Education with a focus in curriculum and instruction through Greenville University. After teaching preschool for two years, she moved to her current position in 4th grade.

Shortly after beginning the fourth grade position, she became very interested in incorporating technology in the classroom. Darcy started with a classroom makerspace and eventually helped start the school makerspace and a library makerspace. It has always been her passion to not only engage students in the classroom, but incorporate technology in engaging ways as well.

The mission of the Illinois Computing Educators is to promote the development, growth, and use of technology in all facets of education. The Educator of the Year award has been designed to honor ICE members from throughout the state of Illinois who are exemplary educators and leaders at the school or district level, and who have made significant contributions leading to the integration of technology into the educational process. ICE is truly grateful to the many outstanding nominees each year, and for all they do for children in Illinois schools. The true winners are students in the many school districts throughout the state where these outstanding educators teach and work.

[Todd Dugan
Superintendent
New Holland-Middletown Elementary School District 88]