© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Union Co. Educator Finalist For ISBE Teacher of the Year

Images
Jamie Nash-Mayberry

A Union County teacher is one of ten finalists for the Illinois State Board of Education's 2018 Teacher of the Year award.
Shawnee High School social sciences teacher Jamie Nash-Mayberry and her students gained national attention years ago when they worked to bring attention to the condition of levees along the Mississippi River.

Nash-Mayberry says her recognition is a reflection of how dedicated her students have been over the years.

"What they've done is help get me to where I am as a teacher too. From the levee work we've done, but also helping establish a Shawnee Veterans Wall here at our school recognizing veterans. The mock trials and mock elections we have that are successes in the classroom. All those things the students help make them a success."

She says the best way for her to get students interested is by providing them with real world activities.
 
"With the levee project, this wasn't just some made up simulation, this was real world and affecting their homes and it was a chance for the students to feel like they were making a difference. It really increased their sense of agency. Now, they continue to give back. When there's floods, you see former students out there sandbagging. They speak out at hearings."
 
Nash-Mayberry says she feels like she's representing teachers throughout southern Illinois since she is the only educator from the area who is a finalist.

The winner will be announced October 28.

 

As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.