Butler Junior High School Principal Melissa Zaniewski has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education with a 2024 Award of Special Recognition through the Those Who Excel Awards program.
Educators presented with the Award of Special Recognition have connected with their school community and made a positive impact, according to the ISBE.
Those Who Excel Awards Awards are presented in seven categories: classroom teachers, early career educators, school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams.
A committee of administrators, teachers, educational service personnel, student support personnel, and past Illinois Teachers of the Year selected this year’s awardees.
“These awards recognize the vital and exceptionally talented professionals who have dedicated their lives and careers to education across Illinois,” State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders said in a statement. “They have chosen to aim their considerable talents and passion toward giving back to their communities, uplifting young people, and shaping our collective future for the better.”
Zaniewski said working during the past 20 years for District 53 has been a tremendous honor for her.
“We have an amazing student body and an incredibly supportive parent and school community, including our entire Board of Education,” she said. “In short, District 53 is a wonderful place to be.”
Zaniewski said her role as principal brings her joy and pride each day.
“I am forever grateful to have the privilege to serve our students, parents, and community members,” she said.
Zaniewski originally joined District 53 as an English Language Arts teacher at Butler Junior High in 2004. Prior to assuming the role as principal in 2021, she served for two years as assistant principal, where she spearheaded curriculum and instruction initiatives and professional development across all grade levels.
As principal, Zaniewski has facilitated Social-Emotional Learning initiatives, led the Multi-Tiered System of Support program and process, enhanced community collaboration, communication, and celebrations, and supported guaranteed and viable curriculum across departments, according to information from District 53.
Josh Hamilton, who as assistant principal at Butler Junior High works closely with Zaniewski, said she is a great principal for many reasons.
“Having spent her entire career as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at Butler Junior High, her dedication to making it the best school possible for its students and staff is unparalleled,” he said. “She understands how special this school community is, and her belief in its immeasurable potential is contagious.”
Hamilton said Zaniewski sets meaningful, sustainable goals for student and staff growth and establishes and follows through with realistic plans to accomplish them.
“Most importantly, she works hard to build strong, genuine relationships with students, staff, and parents,” he said. “Her door is always open to anybody with a question or concern, and everybody leaves her office truly feeling heard.
“In short, she’s an outstanding leader and an even better person. We’re all very fortunate to work with her; she’s so very deserving of this state recognition.”
District 53 Superintendent Paul O’Malley added his own positive comments about Zaniewski.
“Melissa is an outstanding administrator, connector, and innovator,” he said. “This recognition is further evidence of her commitment to our students, her colleagues, and the entire school community. We are incredibly proud to have had her as a longtime member of our school district community.”
Zaniewski has a bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education and a master’s degree in Educational Organization and Leadership, both from the University of Illinois. She currently is a doctoral candidate in Learning Design and Leadership at the University of Illinois.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
