The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has honored District 60’s Director of Student Access and Achievement, Dr. Tasia Fields, and Miguel Juarez Middle School 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Cynthia Stockman, with Those Who Excel awards for the 2024-25 school year. Dr. Fields and Ms. Stockman were two of more than 500 educators across the state honored earlier this month, with both staff members receiving the Award of Meritorious Service in the School Administrator and Classroom Teacher categories, respectively.
The Those Who Excel awards annually celebrate educators and administrators who have made lasting impacts on students, families, and fellow educators in their school communities. Awards are presented in seven categories: classroom teachers, early career educators, school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams.
Dr. Fields has worked for District 60 for 15 years as a teacher at both Carman-Buckner and North Elementary Schools, as well as serving as the district’s Instructional Technology Coordinator and Literacy Coordinator. She is also a WHS graduate.
“As a proud graduate of Waukegan Public Schools, receiving this honor represents a full-circle moment—a testament to the resilience of students like me who have faced systemic barriers yet persevere,” said Dr. Fields. “Personally, it reaffirms my commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to opportunities that empower them.”
This is Ms. Stockman's sixth year in the district, all at Miguel Juarez, where she has taught both 6th and 8th grade before beginning her role as a 7th-grade social studies teacher.
“This is an incredible honor, and it means so much to me both personally and professionally. Personally, it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience that I’ve poured into my craft, especially as a neurodivergent individual,” said Ms. Stockman. “Professionally, this recognition affirms my belief that every student, regardless of their unique challenges or differences, has the potential to thrive.”
Both staff members, along with the other winners, will be celebrated at the annual ISBE Those Who Excel banquet this spring.