Default Board Post Page

Each year, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recognizes outstanding educators and school professionals from across the state whose work has made a lasting impact on their school communities. I am proud to share that four members of the East St. Louis School District 189 family will be honored at the 2026 Those Who Excel Awards Banquet in Bloomington this April.

While we are fortunate to have many exceptional professionals across our district, we are especially grateful that ISBE has recognized the outstanding contributions of the following staff members:

Award of Excellence

The Award of Excellence honors educators who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to equity and the success of all students. Recipients foster positive school cultures, collaborate meaningfully with families and colleagues, and inspire others within and beyond their schools.

Lashaunda Ross, Counselor – Annette Officer Elementary School

Award of Meritorious Service

The Award of Meritorious Service recognizes professionals who embrace leadership opportunities and strengthen the culture of learning within their schools and districts through their dedication and impact.

Kurt Warner, Director of Technology – East St. Louis School District 189

Award of Special Recognition

The Award of Special Recognition celebrates educators who are valued for the skills, passion, and dedication they bring to their school communities each day.

Meonshai Houston, Teacher – Annette Officer Elementary School
Myisha Ross, Special Education Teacher – Recognized as an Early Career Educator (fewer than five years of teaching experience), Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary School

The ISBE Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards honor individuals making a significant difference in Illinois schools across multiple categories, including teachers, administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, and community volunteers.

We salute our honorees and thank them for representing School District 189 with excellence. They truly embody what it means to be Anchored in Excellence, consistently going above and beyond to make a meaningful difference for our students and families.

Please join me in congratulating these outstanding professionals on this well-deserved recognition.

With pride,

Arthur R. Culver, Superintendent

School District 189 Educator Among 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching Finalists

 

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill., March 2 2026 — The Golden Apple Foundation, a leading nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring, and mentoring educators who advance educational opportunities for students, has announced the 2026 finalists for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. 

Following a highly competitive selection process, 30 teacher finalists were chosen from nearly 600 nominations across Illinois. Among this distinguished group is Meonshai Houston, a fourth-grade teacher at Annette Officer Elementary, one of several District 189 schools to earn Commendable School recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Complete list of 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalists

Mrs. Houston, a fourth-grade teacher, exemplifies exceptional instructional leadership and an unwavering commitment to student success. During the 2024–2025 school year, a strong majority of her students achieved proficiency in ELA — an outstanding accomplishment in a high-needs district that reflects her skill, dedication, and consistently high expectations. Notably, none of her students performed below proficient; every student achieved at least an approaching proficient level or higher.

“Mrs. Houston sets a powerful example of what high expectations and deep care for students can accomplish,” said Superintendent Arthur R. Culver. Darla Wall, Principal of Annette Officer Elementary, added, “She is an instructional leader within our building, actively collaborating with her Professional Learning Team, leading targeted interventions, and ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed.” She continued, “Mrs. Houston’s impact extends beyond her classroom and strengthens our entire school community.”

In addition to being named one of 30 finalists for the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, Mrs. Houston will also be honored by the Illinois State Board of Education in 2026 in the Special Recognition category of the Those Who Excel awards. The Award of Special Recognition celebrates educators who are deeply valued for the skills, passion, and dedication they bring to their school communities each day.

“Exceptional teachers remind us every day what is possible for students,” said Alan Mather, President of Golden Apple. “They create classrooms where curiosity and challenge are encouraged, confidence is built, and learning feels meaningful. These finalists exemplify the dedication, care, and skill that define teaching at its finest. We are proud to recognize the lasting impact they have on their students and school community.”

The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Teacher finalists demonstrate, through their teaching and results, a significant positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.

“The educators recognized this year demonstrate a consistent commitment to student achievement and measurable growth,” said Alicia Winckler, CEO of Golden Apple. “By modeling excellence in the classroom, they help students build the persistence and critical thinking required for long-term academic success.”

The selected 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients will be surprised in the spring. Northwestern University generously provides a spring sabbatical to award recipients at no cost. Each recipient receives a $5,000 cash award. Award recipients become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs — initiatives dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.

About Golden Apple

Golden Apple's mission is to inspire, develop, and support teacher and school leader excellence, especially in schools-of-need. Our leading-edge preparation delivers exceptional teachers who make an impact. We help students thrive in the classroom and in life. Since our beginning, we have recognized master educators annually, and these master educators help prepare the next generation of teachers. Our vision is one in which every classroom has a great teacher, and to realize this, we are committed to making a material difference in resolving the teacher shortage. Visit http://www.goldenapple.org for more information.

Media contacts:

Avery Resendiz

779-225-2222

averyr@theharbingergroup.com

 

Sydney Stigge-Kaufman

314-610-7420

Sydney.stigge-kaufman@estl189.com

 

###

 

East St. Louis School District 189 is focused on providing rigorous, high quality education and exceptional educational experiences to the nearly 4,600 students within the community. Our vision is for students to be supported physically, socially, and emotionally in a safe and nurturing environment to achieve academic success that prepares them for college, the workforce, and citizenship in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.estl189.com. Follow more great stories @estl189 on Facebook and Twitter.

 40 Days of Nonviolence – Youth Saturdays 

Join us for 40 Days of Nonviolence programming every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Lincoln Middle School. Saturdays include February 21, February 28, March 7 and March 14. All East St. Louis elementary and middle school youth are welcome.

This FREE program offers engaging, safe, and positive experiences for elementary and middle school youth, including:

 Free food

 Sports & physical activities

 Chess & games

 Youth enrichment activities—and more!

Families are encouraged to take advantage of this welcoming space that promotes nonviolence, leadership, and community connection.

Let’s build skills, confidence, and community—together.