Jennifer Mulligan, a dedicated GED instructor at Kankakee Community College (KCC), has been awarded the esteemed Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association Arthur J. Stejskal Teacher of the Year Award. This recognition comes as a testament to her unwavering commitment and passion for adult education, marking her out as a standout educator in the state of Illinois.
According to various student testimonials, Mulligan’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. Tammara Gonzalez, a student from Kankakee, praised Mulligan for not only advancing her educational journey but also providing significant personal support. “She has been such a great mentor as well as a friend,” Gonzalez said, highlighting the impact of Mulligan’s encouragement and belief in her students’ potential.
The award, presented on Thursday, March 7, at the association’s conference in Springfield, acknowledges Mulligan’s exceptional dedication to her students and her profession. Criteria for the award include a commitment to the educational field, recognition of learner uniqueness, supportive nature, and the promotion of free thought and expression.
Mulligan’s efforts have also been lauded by Brandi LaMie, another Kankakee local, who noted the significant progress her adult sons made under Mulligan’s tutelage in preparation for their GED tests. “She and the team helped my sons progress leaps and bounds in sharpening their skills,” LaMie shared, appreciating the personalized and effective approach taken by Mulligan and her colleagues at KCC.
This is not the first time KCC staff have been recognized by the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association, with Mulligan’s achievement marking the fourth such honor for the college in eight years. The community and the college celebrate the hard work and success of educators like Mulligan, who play a crucial role in shaping the futures of their students and contributing to the fabric of local education.
