HR0831 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0831 LRB103 40937 ECR 73966 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate MaryBeth and Jim Westin on the occasion of their respective retirements after a combined six decades of teaching in the Rockford Region; and

WHEREAS, MaryBeth Westin earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Illinois State University in 1991; she obtained a Master of Arts in Education from St. Xavier University in 1994; she later earned a Library Information Specialist endorsement from Northern Illinois University in 2011; and

WHEREAS, MaryBeth Westin has always striven to participate and advocate for students; she has made a tremendous impact on the lives of her pupils while embracing the challenges and responsibilities of educating special education students with unwavering commitment, patience, and empathy, ensuring that each student received the personalized support and accommodations necessary to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally; her work ethic is reflective of her guiding principle that every student possesses the ability to learn, even if learning cannot traditionally manifest itself; and

WHEREAS, MaryBeth Westin has worked tirelessly to break down barriers and overcome obstacles that special education students often face, advocating for their rights, access to resources, and opportunities for full participation in our academic system; and

WHEREAS, Marybeth Westin has served as a member of multiple union bargaining teams, including during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when she leveraged her expertise, insight, and experience in negotiating the contracts of over 1,500 teachers in the State's third-largest district, proving her relentless dedication to ensuring that the terms and conditions of employment were fair, equitable, and reflective of the needs and priorities of educators, students, and the broader school community; and

WHEREAS, In her years as a librarian, MaryBeth Westin has initiated book clubs to help students foster a love for reading, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity, including a parent-student book club that provided opportunities for students and parents to engage in meaningful discussions, share diverse perspectives, and connect and bond over education; and

WHEREAS, MaryBeth Westin has exemplified a deep commitment to the holistic development of her students, going above and beyond to support their involvement in extracurricular activities; she has served as a steadfast champion and mentor for students, encouraging them to explore their passions, interests, and talents beyond the confines of the traditional classroom setting; and

WHEREAS, Jim Westin received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University in 1995; he later obtained a Master of Education from Northern Illinois University in 2001; and

WHEREAS, Jim Westin began his career as a special education teacher at Abraham Lincoln Middle School, where he worked for 20 years, serving and educating children at the same school he attended as a student; and

WHEREAS, For the last years of his career, Jim Westin has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving nontraditional students during his tenure at the Winnebago County Juvenile Detention Center, displaying unwavering dedication in his educational endeavors and embracing head-on the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching in a juvenile detention center; further, he has recognized the importance of education as a pathway to rehabilitation, empowerment, and hope for incarcerated youth; and

WHEREAS, Jim Westin has gone above and beyond to create a supportive and open learning environment within the confines of the detention center, providing personalized attention, mentorship, and encouragement to students who often previously faced significant academic, social, and emotional barriers; and

WHEREAS, Jim Westin has demonstrated remarkable creativity, adaptability, and resourcefulness in developing and implementing educational programs tailored to meet the diverse needs and backgrounds of incarcerated youth; he has also exhibited extraordinary empathy, patience, and understanding in working with students grappling with trauma, adversity, and systemic challenges, recognizing the inherent dignity and potential of every individual under his care; and

WHEREAS, At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, MaryBeth and Jim Westin will conclude their respective careers as educators of Rockford's youth after more than 60 combined years of service to the community they have both called home all their lives; and

WHEREAS, MaryBeth and Jim Westin's tireless efforts, passion for teaching, and commitment to excellence have set a standard of professionalism and excellence that will continue to inspire future educators for years to come, and the impact of their work extends far beyond the walls of the classroom, shaping the minds and futures of generations of students and contributing to the fabric of our community in ways that are beyond measure; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate MaryBeth and Jim Westin on their respective retirements after more than 60 combined years of teaching in the Rockford Region, thank them for their commitment to education, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to MaryBeth and Jim Westin as a symbol of our esteem and respect.