The selection committee for the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2018 Herb Kohl Foundation awards. Merrill Area Public Schools is proud to announce that Joan Tabor, a special education teacher at Pine River School for Young Learners, has been selected as a fellowship recipient by this foundation. Fellowship recipients are educators who have been chosen for their superior ability to inspire a love of learning in their students, their ability to motivate others, and their leadership and service within and outside the classroom. In May the foundation will announce their selection for the state teacher of the year.
“I was a student in the Merrill Head Start Summer School Program in 1972,” Tabor said, “18 years later I was hired as a Special Education Teacher working with 3 and 4 year old children enrolled in the Merrill Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education programs and 27 years later I am still working with Merrill’s youngest students and their families. I am very committed to and proud of our school district and the city of Merrill. While this award has my name on it, my work is truly a reflection of my family, my colleagues and the students that I am so honored to have taught. I look forward to using this grant to enhance opportunities for Merrill’s youngest Bluejays!”
Principal Jill Seaman states, “Joan Tabor portrays all the qualities sought for the fellowship and goes above and beyond in making each and every child, parent, and colleague feel valued. As a professional educator, she has set high expectations for how she makes an impact on our youngest learners and our Merrill community. Mrs. Tabor is a strong advocate for learners of all abilities which is the backbone of our Head Start, Early Childhood and 4K program at Pine River School for Young Learners. We are fortunate to have Joan as a key and valued teacher at our school and her school family is very happy for her receiving this prestigious award.”
The Kohl Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship program was established by Herb Kohl, philanthropist and businessman, in 1990. Herb Kohl, the son of immigrants believes that a quality, public education is key to his success. To date the foundation has awarded $14.5 million to Wisconsin educators, principals, students and schools.
“Education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation. I am very proud of the accomplishments of these students, teachers, and principals and look forward to the great contributions they will make in the future,” Kohl said.
“This distinguished award is a testament to Joan’s outstanding qualities as a phenomenal teacher,” stated Dr. John Sample, MAPS Superintendent. “We are so proud of her accomplishment and everything she contributes to Pine River School for Young Learners.”