At the Oct. 27 meeting, the Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education recognized Tina Morris, English Language Learner teacher at Serena Hills, as the second quarter #AboveAndBeyond winner.

“Tina is consistently a mentor for us year after year because she does such a great job at acclimating our new teachers to our district,” HR Director Haley Marti told the board. “She encourages her colleagues. She supports them during tough situations. She listens and guides them and is a leader at Serena Hills.”

Morris was nominated for the award by Molly Woods, a fourth-grade teacher at Serena Hills.

“Tina is a positive light in our school, community and district,” Woods said. “Tina has been going above and beyond in mentoring new teachers, being there for students, and just being an overall professional. Her expertise and relations with both colleagues and students are admirable.” 

Woods said Morris is always welcoming and supportive of new teachers at Serena. 

“When I’ve been struggling with understanding how things go at the school and district and can’t figure it out, I know Tina will know, and she will guide me to understand,” Woods said. “She has been an ongoing example of an exceptional mentor.”

“I don’t do what I do for recognition. I do it because it’s my happy place,” Morris said. “Thank you so much.” 

The district also recognized principals and assistant principals in honor of National Principals Month at the Oct. 27 meeting.