Being recognized by and alongside such a prestigious group of educational leaders is a tremendous honor. The Presidential Award is a testament to not only my incredible education but to the inspiring and dedicated mentors and colleagues I have had the privilege of working with during my tenure in District 181. This award honors a passion for science that I have carried with me since I was a young child. Being able to share that love daily with my students is truly a dream come true.

Kelly Pelak Hinsdale, IL | K-6, Science, 2022

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Kelly Pelak has been an educator in Community Consolidated School District 181 for 24 years. She has taught sixth grade science at Hinsdale Middle School for the past five years. She previously taught fifth grade at Lane Elementary School for two years. Her first 17 years in the district were shared between Hinsdale Middle School and Clarendon Hills Middle School teaching eighth grade (primarily science). Kelly's enthusiasm for teaching is palpable. She creates an inclusive and engaging environment, cultivating a love for learning, healthy risk taking, and a passion for science and technology. Whether teaching in costume as Ms. Frizzle or Charles Darwin, promoting engagement during remote learning with stickers on her face, or inspiring creativity through authentic STEM challenges, she is an impactful and memorable educator. Fostering strong relationships with students is a hallmark of her craft, as is evident by her student nomination. Kelly has participated in several district committees, including those that target technology integration, curriculum development and assessment, leadership, teacher evaluation, and facilities. She authored a notable D181 Foundation Grant, "Infusing Technology into the Science Curriculum", which increased student access to devices within the department. Kelly graduated with honors from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in elementary education, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate in the College of Education. She later earned an M.A. in curriculum and instruction from North Central College. She is a certified elementary school teacher with middle school endorsements in science, social studies, and language arts. She is currently working towards her certification as a technology specialist.

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