A Teacher of the Year citation won’t help a 3rd-grade teacher keep her job in Elgin-based Unit School District 46.
Last week, Lauri Cerasani was among 54 Chicago-area educators honored by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. for her extra effort in the classroom. She was picked from 200 nominees.
The Lowrie Elementary School teacher was among 1,100 who were pink-slipped as part of the district’s efforts to slash $40 million in spending. About half of those layoffs have been recalled, based on seniority.
“It’s kind of a bittersweet thing,” said Cerasani, who is in her third year.
The retailer is giving each winner’s school $1,000, with the honorees deciding how the money is spent.
Cerasani gets to keep the framed certificate and a blue Wal-Mart vest with “2003 Teacher of the Year” on the back.
