Lake County Gazette

Ms. Annie Burke, a second-grade teacher at Mary Morgan Elementary School, has received The Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Illinois State University. Ms. Burke holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the same institution. She has taught in Byron for five years.

Ms. Burke is recognized for her commitment to student success and her ability to adapt teaching methods to meet diverse classroom needs. She organized Family Bingo Night, which attracted over 600 participants in two years to encourage literacy and celebrate student achievement. In addition, she is active on the school’s social committee and was previously honored with the 2024 ISBE Those Who Excel Early Career Educator Award.

Reflecting on her award, Ms. Burke said, "I feel honored that my alma mater has recognized my hard work in the field of education. This recognition is especially rewarding because Illinois State University is known for having an outstanding education program."

Mary Morgan Elementary School is part of Byron Community Unit School District 226, which serves Ogle County and includes Byron High School and Byron Middle School as well as Mary Morgan Elementary (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district employs 113 teachers with an average salary of $77,465; about 73 percent are women and nearly all teachers have fewer than ten absences per year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district’s student body is predominantly White at 86.5 percent, with Hispanic students making up just over seven percent (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, Byron Community Unit School District 226 spent $24,422 per student, totaling nearly $37 million for that year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).