Lake County Gazette

James Stark, a Latin teacher at Collinsville High School, has been recognized by the American Classical League with the Charles Humphreys Award for Innovative Pedagogy. The American Classical League is a professional organization that supports classical education in the United States and Canada and works to advance the teaching of Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures.

"The American Classical League has the largest number of Latin teachers as members among the Classical associations in the US, so I'm thrilled to be the recipient," said Stark.

The award citation states: "The American Classical League proudly presents the Humphreys Award for Innovative Pedagogy to James Stark, who is shaping not only how students learn—but how they all belong in Latin studies. Stark creates a classroom where Latin is vibrant, accessible, and timeless.

His commitment to equity is evident in his creation of curricular resources for Latin texts by authors of diverse identities, and his work to reach every student regardless of learning style or academic needs. As one student reflected, “Magister Stark does not leave any student behind. There is truly a space for everyone in the classroom.”

Stark is also a generous mentor and leader, sharing strategies and tools that have inspired teachers nationwide. His work stands as an example of how Latin classrooms can become spaces of adventure, inclusivity, and joy."

Stark's recognition adds to previous honors he has received from organizations such as Illinois Junior Classical League (IJCL), Illinois Classical Conference (ICC), Society for Classical Studies (SCS), and Classical Association of the Middle West and South (CAMWS).

Collinsville High School is part of Collinsville Community Unit School District 10, which serves Madison and St. Clair counties. The district includes several schools such as Caseyville Elementary School, Collinsville Middle School, Dorris Intermediate School, Jefferson Elementary School, John A. Renfro Elementary School, Kreitner Elementary School, Maryville Elementary School, Summit Elementary School, Twin Echo Elementary School, and Webster Elementary School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education, Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 employs 418 teachers with an average salary of $60,392 before pension contributions; 81 percent are women while 19 percent are men. No teacher in this district has more than ten absences in a school year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district's student population is 56 percent White, 14.1 percent Black, 24.1 percent Hispanic, and 0.5 percent Asian (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, spending per student was $16,872 with total expenditures reaching $104 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).