Those Who Excel

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced those being honored for their extraordinary contributions to education across the state through its annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards. Champaign Unit 4 Schools celebrates three staff members who will receive Those Who Excel Awards.

Bailey Connor, a Special Education Teacher in the Young Adult Program at Central High School, will receive the Award of Special Recognition. She has been with Unit 4 since 2021.


Kristine Scheu is the recipient of the Award of Special Recognition. She teaches 4th grade at Barkstall Elementary. This is her 9th year teaching in the District.

Janet Skaj will receive the Award of Meritorious Service. She is a Teachers Aide at Central High School. She has been with Unit 4 for seven years.


The annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards celebrate incredible classroom teachers, administrators, teams, volunteers, and school support personnel who have made lasting impacts on the students, families, and fellow educators in their school communities.

All of the winners will be celebrated during a banquet in May.