Lori Bilbrey, program administrator for the ROYALS program in Regional Education Office #26, recently received the Region 3 Excellence in Teaching Award from the Illinois Coalition for Educating At-Risk Youth.
This award recognizes individuals who are dedicated to serving at-risk youth and providing support, relationships, and connection to students. The ultimate goal is to help these students succeed and become lifelong learners. According to ICEARY, only the best in their field can receive this award.
Education has always been Lori's passion. Prior to becoming the program administrator for the ROYALS program, he served as an elementary school teacher, lead teacher, summer school coordinator, and principal in school districts throughout western Illinois for 24 years.
As a program administrator, Lori works to build the right team of educators and school leaders while helping students find opportunities to get on the right path in their education. She says her job is a “great opportunity to help students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to earn a high school diploma.”
In her appointment, her staff said, “Lori's dedication to fostering a positive and enriching learning environment makes her unique, and her dedication to both staff and students is truly extraordinary.'' ”. The nomination goes on to say, “Lori's innovative thinking is evident in her efforts to create learning experiences customized for each student. She not only sends incentives to students to encourage interaction, but also She spends time getting to know her students personally. She frequently visits each site and checks each student's name. She understands the children's interests and helps them feel safe. She asks questions that make her feel cared for and valued. Ms. Lori focuses on students' “next steps”, including field trips to colleges, universities, and employment facilities. ”
When asked what the award meant to her, Lori said, “Paulo Freire said, “Education is freedom.'' I couldn't agree more. Our amazing ROYALS team works tirelessly to provide education to all students. Royals has a great staff that builds relationships with students to help them succeed in school. Success in school opens doors to the future. I am delighted to work alongside Royals staff who work to build a culture of relationships, mental health, academic progress and post-secondary pathways. Our students are amazing young people full of potential, and it's amazing to watch them grow with the second chance the Royals are able to provide. ”
The mission of the ROYALS program is to guide students to achieve academic success and post-secondary success. The ROYALS Program's safe schools and alternative programs are designed to meet the needs of students on an individual level. He serves 19 school districts in Fulton, Hancock, McDonough and Schuyler counties. They accept approximately 160 students each year who are under-credited, chronically absent, or otherwise dissatisfied with school for a variety of reasons. This program also applies to students who have been expelled or have received multiple suspensions. This program is designed to help students after credit recovery or chronic truancy.