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2017 EDUCATION MAGAZINE
LINCOLN DAILY NEWS MARCH 1, 2017 Page 27
She says, “In addition, students
must also meet or exceed standards
set by the state of Illinois on
the English portions of the
standardized test they take during
their junior year.”
Principal Todd Poelker says, “This
will be the third year for the Seal of
Biliteracy at LCHS. We had five
students the first year and seven
last year earn that distinction. She
expects that number to increase this
year. We have had several students
over the past several years study
foreign language at the college
level. Students always talk about
how well they are prepared for
college level work because of Ms.
Stoyak.”
LCHS Superintendent Robert
Bagby says, “Mrs. Stoyak has been
a wonderful role model to countless
students and a tireless advocate for
the foreign language department
for a number of years. When I first
met Kathy, we both agreed that
language immersion was crucial for
student success.”
Stoyak has left a lasting impression
on LCHS administrators and
colleagues who describe how much
they enjoy working with her.
Bagby says, “When the Illinois
State Board of Education offered
the Seal of Biliteracy, Kathy
immediately became instrumental
in making sure Lincoln Community
High School students had the
opportunity to earn this distinct
honor. She is one of the hardest
working teachers I have had the
pleasure of working with. She
is a true credit to the education
profession.”
Poelker says, “Kathy is one of the
best teachers I have ever worked
with. She is truly dedicated to
her students and their learning.
Her classes are fast paced and
provide a variety of instructional
activities. She is always trying new
approaches in the classroom and is
a valuable resource for teachers in
her department.”
Poelker says, “She has also served
as a class sponsor for the purpose
of connecting at a different level
with her students.”
Plumier says, “I have worked with
Ms.Stoyak for 14 years. She is one
of the most enthusiastic people I
have known. She really gets the
students excited and involved
in her classes with a variety of
activities. I’m sure that she has
never taught a boring class.”
Plumier says, “The students
are hearing and using Spanish
constantly, not just in her classroom
but throughout the school. She
encourages them to speak Spanish
to us in the hallways and even on
an errand from a different teacher.
This gives them practice and more
confidence in their ability, even if
their grammar isn’t perfect.”
Plumier says, “Ms.Stoyak is known
throughout the state in foreign
language circles. She has held
numerous offices in the Illinois
Conference for the Teaching of
Foreign Languages and has won
several awards for outstanding
work and service. ISU values her
input in educating and preparing
student teachers for the classroom.”
Each year, Stoyak’s classes
participate in special learning
activities. Plumier says, “Ms.
Stoyak is creative in celebrating
National Foreign Language Week,
from poster and T-shirt contests
to making class music videos, to
cooking Spanish omelets, and
learning to dance the Salsa, to
trading languages with the French
students. She also keeps the
Spanish clubs active.”
Throughout her years of teaching,
Stoyak has seen many changes in
the field.
Continued
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