Orion Teacher Wins Illinois "Excellence in Teaching" Award
by Nathan DeBaillie
August 17, 2011
Congratulations to OHS/OMS Agriculture teacher Mr. Jay Solomonson who has been named the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, (IAVAT) "Excellence in Teaching" award winner. The award provides an opportunity for Agricultural teachers to be recognized for conducting innovative programs of instruction that motivates students through the use of classroom and non-classroom activities. In order to receive this award, Mr. Solomonson needed to be nominated by a current or former student, administrator, teacher, FFA Alumni, or other member of the Orion community. After nomination, a district administrator completes a support form to be used in the judging of a Section winner. Once 25 section winners are named, five district winners are selected using the same support forms. Mr. Solomonson's final steps in this process were to submit his teaching resume and five letters of support from a current or former student, administrator, teacher, FFA Alumni, or other member of the Orion community. The final decision was made August 16th when using the resume, letters of support and interviews from Mr. Solomonson and his principal the IAVAT Board selected Jay Solomonson the "Excellence in Teaching" award winner. Congratulations again Mr. Solomonson from the entire Orion School District Community.
