Prior to the Oct. 22 Those Who Excel/Teacher of the year banquet in Normal, Ill., The News-Gazette asked some of the honorees: What does it mean to excel as an educator in today’s climate? Victor Perez, who coordinates the SOAR program, said that educators must continue to identify the most pressing needs in schools and communities, and that collaborations and partnerships are keys to success.

"In order to excel as educators, we must continue to identify the most pressing needs in our schools and communities and address these concerns accordingly," Perez said. "Pertinent stakeholders — including parents, students, teachers, administrators and university researchers — should have a place at the table so that we are all contributing equally to the decision-making that impacts the education that our students are afforded.

"Creating and sustaining these types of collaborations and partnerships ensures that any innovations that are proposed are embraced by all stakeholders and are likely to take and be successful."

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