District 47 Celebrates Fall 2025 Elevate Award Winners

District 47's Elevate program recognizes employees who uphold and exemplify the district's mission, vision, and core values and who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of students, schools, and the community. Nominees and winners are announced three times a year - fall, winter, and spring. For the Fall Elevate Award, we received 30 nominations. The Elevate award committee reviewed these nominations and chose 8 winners. District 47 would also like to thank all the businesses that have chosen to sponsor our Elevate program this year. Seven local sponsors award the winners with a gift card.

Elevate Award recipients will be recognized at the November Board of Education meeting. Please take a moment to read more about our winners with a quote taken from their Elevate nomination.

Katie Imhoff, 2nd Grade Teacher, Indian Prairie

“This past year in 2nd grade has been a journey for our family. Our student was diagnosed with health challenges that required a new way of learning and adapting, and it was a time filled with uncertainty for us. From the very beginning, Mrs. Imhoff walked alongside us with compassion, patience, and unwavering support. She helped us navigate our “new normal” and ensured that our son felt safe, capable, and encouraged in his classroom."

Dagmara Krawczyk, Lunch/Playground Supervisor, Indian Prairie

“In her capacity as a lunch supervisor, Dagmara demonstrates professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine care for students. She creates a safe and welcoming environment where children feel respected and supported. Her ability to build meaningful relationships is evident in the way students seek her out during lunch and recess, knowing she will listen, guide, and advocate for them.”

Amanda Wood, Social Worker, North

“Ms. Wood consistently demonstrates District 47’s mission and core values through her daily work, her supportive relationships, and her commitment to fostering success for every learner. She models equity by ensuring that all students, staff, and families have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. She not only embraces diverse perspectives but also creates systems that make complex ideas clear and accessible to others. Her work strengthens the culture of her school and district by promoting collaboration, innovation, and excellence.”

Suzanne Degrassi, Kindergarten Teacher, Canterbury

“Sue creates a warm, welcoming classroom where her students feel safe and excited to learn. She knows how to meet each child’s needs and helps them grow not just academically, but also socially and emotionally as well. Each year, some kindy students have a hard time parting from their families at the start of the school day. Sue always greets them with a bright smile and a comforting voice. She invites students to make a heart card for the family member they are missing. It’s a simple heart that she cuts out of construction paper, but this sincere and heartfelt gesture brings great comfort to her students and helps them ease into their school day. “

Sarah Gulgren, Aspire Teacher, South

“I nominate my teacher, Sarah Gulgren. She is not only the greatest teacher but, most importantly, she is my rock and the biggest supporter.  I am so excited to go to school every day, not because I will play and spend time with lots of my friends, but because I will be learning from such an inspiring person.”

Diane Merlin, 2nd Grade Teacher, Woods Creek

“Diane uses innovative strategies—such as project-based learning and differentiated instruction—to meet students at their individual levels. For example, Diane recently designed a hands-on science unit that allowed students to explore real-world problems, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration. Students left the unit not only with stronger academic skills but also with greater confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to their community.”

Amy Landa, Bus Driver, TJA

“She knows each child by name, notices when something is off, and takes the time to offer reassurance or encouragement. Families trust Ms. Amy not only because of her impeccable safety record but also because of the way she treats each child with dignity and care. Ms. Amy models patience, respect, and responsibility, reinforcing the same values our teachers emphasize in the classroom. She helps students learn how to follow rules, look out for one another, and solve small conflicts, which turns the school bus into an extension of our learning community.”

Joanne Rivera, Bilingual PreK Teacher, Glacier Ridge

“Joanne demonstrates deep commitment to student well-being and belonging. She makes every effort to ensure her students feel supported, valued, and included. As a thoughtful gesture that reflects her caring nature, she gifted each of her students a water bottle so they wouldn’t have to carry one from home each day—showing attention to both their comfort and sense of equality. Through small but meaningful acts like these, she fosters a classroom environment where students feel genuinely cared for. “