Joey Ancel credited Jill Carter, his kindergarten teacher at Chaney-Monge School in Crest Hill, who is now retired, with his love for teaching.

A Lockport music teacher at Walsh Elementary School said the education of teaching has become more dynamic and engaging for students.

Juan Figueroa and Sandy Figueroa's passion for education stems from their own childhood experiences.

A Joliet Junior College professor said she always enjoyed architecture but she never realized how much she enjoys teaching. When asked how she motivates her students, she says they motive her.

The teaching style of an award-winning Plainfield teacher can be summed up in three words: making literary connections.

Todd Kein has spent 26 years at Morris as an English teacher and baseball and basketball coach. He has found a "happy marriage" coaching baseball while teaching literature.

Sandra Almazn makes sure each of her students at Troy Craughwell Elementary School in Joliet have their linguistic and academic needs met.

From our Thank You Teachers special section: Read letters sent by students to Will County teachers thanking them for all they do

Jeffrey Grimes once planned to be a missionary but became a teacher. He calls Joliet Central 'the heartbeat of the community.'