District 64 proudly announces that two of our outstanding educators have been honored with prestigious awards from the Illinois American String Teachers Association (IL ASTA). These awards celebrate the dedication and excellence of our teachers in advancing music education.
Natalie Briggs: Recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Emerging Educator Award. This honor recognizes Natalie’s exceptional contributions during her early years in teaching. She has demonstrated excellence in her school orchestra program through innovative teaching and community connections.
Erica Faulhaber: Recipient of the 2025 Outstanding School Teacher Award. Erica’s dedication to excellence in her orchestra program and her ability to create meaningful community engagement have set a standard of excellence for educators statewide.
Each year, IL ASTA honors educators in four categories:
- Outstanding School Teacher
- Outstanding Emerging Teacher
- Outstanding Studio Teacher
- Distinguished Service
This year, District 64 educators earned two of the four awards—a remarkable achievement showcasing the strength of our music program. WOW!
Congratulations to Natalie and Erica for their achievements and their role in fostering a love of music in our students!