3M Award Winning Economic Educators Honored

Six outstanding Illinois educators will be recognized October 26th for their exceptional work in teaching economics. The honorees are winners in the 2004 3M Economic Educator Awards program, which recognizes individuals for excellence and innovation in economic education.

Patricia Tomich, from Notre Dame High School for Girls in Chicago, is the first place winner in the 3M Innovative Economic Educator competition, which recognizes teachers who create and implement innovative projects that increase economic understanding. The second place winner is Cynthia Planert of Kaneland High School in Maple Park. Honorable Mention awards will be presented to Mark Schusky of Collinsville High School and Cliff Zapke of Harlem High School in Machesney Park.

Sheryl Szot Gallaher, Director of the Office of Economic Education at Governors State University, and Margaret (Peg) Seaman, economics teacher at Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park, will each receive the Excellence in Economic Education award. This award recognizes educators for their sustained commitment to economic education.

The teachers will be recognized at ICEE’s annual Economic Education Awareness Day luncheon on October 26th at the Union League Club of Chicago. Teachers will be presented with plaques and cash awards and will share their winning lessons or experiences with ICEE board members and guests.

The Economic Educator Award programs have been sponsored by 3M since 2000. The Council greatly appreciates 3M’s support of this program, which makes possible yearly recognition of Illinois teachers who excel in teaching economics.

Abstracts of winning entries can be found on the ICEE web site: www.econed-il.org/new.html