AMBOY — Recently, the Amboy CUSD #272 Board of Education announced the 2022-23 Teacher and Staff Member of the Year awards. Cynthia Carlson, a 24-year math teacher at Amboy High School, was named Teacher of the Year. Carlson nominators touted her ability to make math meaningful and relevant to life. 

Maureen Harris, a 28-year district employee who has served students at all three buildings in a variety of ways, was named Staff Member of the Year. Harris works in the cafeterias, at the gates for supporting events and can be seen cheering on students at a school activities. 

This is the fourth year for the recognition program, which seeks nominations from students, staff, and community members. 

A total of 159 applications nominating 56 individual teachers and staff members were submitted. 

Selection criteria for teachers includes exceptional contributions in effective instructional techniques and methods, establishing a productive classroom climate and rapport with students and interacting positively with students, staff and parents. Selection criteria for staff members (i.e. paraprofessional, custodians, secretaries, and non-certified staff members) includes contributing to the overall school experience in a positive manner.