At Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa, the band class is more than just an extracurricular activity – it’s a place for students to grow, connect and express themselves. Leading the charge is Martin Czernicki, the school’s band director.

There are teachers who just do their job, and then there are teachers like Woodland’s Lisa Jackson who change people’s lives.

Samantha Munks, a SOAR (Students Obtaining Achievement and Responsibility) high school teacher in Peru, pushes her students to be their best by inspiring them to dream and supporting them by meeting them at their level.

Jenna Maierhofer has been a beloved teacher for over two decades. She will retire from Seneca High School at the end of the year.

At a young age Ellen Gross, then Ellen Goetz, already knew her answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

He was a rebellious student and "slacker" until he stumbled into auto shop. Now, La Salle-Peru High School's Mike Fisher runs the auto shop to teach his students accountability, professionalism.

At a young age Ellen Gross, then Ellen Goetz, already knew her answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

John Hladovcak can’t find a mechanic’s shop in Ottawa or Streator that doesn’t have at least one former student of his in its employ, a trend that continues as he shows Ottawa High School students the ins-and-outs of automotive repair.

Marquette's Todd Hopkins credits the support of his wife, Katie, his family and the Crusaders fans with his teams' success.

The Streator High School English teacher and library media coordinator likes the idea of giving students something they can look forward to.

As a student, she kept color-coded notes so, yes, Brittany Rynkewicz expects her students to be diligent. But the St. Bede English teacher also wants her kids to unlock their imagination and have fun.

The kids at McKinley Elementary spent the month of March buzzing about their brackets, but very few of them were talking about the NCAA basketball tournaments taking place.

“Once we get that relationship down, the learning part happens easily,” Marseilles Elementary kindergarten teacher Lindsey Johnson said. “This last year, I love coming in because I get so many hugs. I treat them just like family, like little people.”

Seneca High School science teacher Terry Maxwell leads in the classroom, on the football field and in advocating for nature with students.

Harding Grade School kindergarten teacher Amy Walsh’s career began 34 years ago in the late 1980s when perms and teased hair were popular. She plans to retire after this school year.

For Earlville teacher/coach Shannon Cook, patience has proven to be the key to success.

Dennis Anderson: Thank You, Teachers is our way of acknowledging the value these educators have in our lives.

Eye On Illinois: Thank a teacher who shaped your life, but also make time for the ones shaping other lives right this minute. Thank those who take jobs in districts that don’t pay as well, or pursue specialty areas where shortages are most extreme.