Proviso Press Release

HILLSIDE, IL - In a remarkable achievement, Career Technical Education (CTE) teacher April Senase from Proviso West has been recognized with two prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to manufacturing education. April's dedication and commitment to her students have not only earned her the Greater Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP)'s 2024 Outstanding Manufacturing Educator award but also the 2024 Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service in the category of Early Career Educator for the second consecutive year.

GCAMP Award Recognition: The journey to these accolades began with April's nomination by a student and a counselor at Proviso West for the GCAMP award. Her extensive application process included the submission of detailed lesson plans, letters of recommendation from colleagues and supervisors, and crucial information about her teaching methodologies. April emerged victorious from a pool of nine finalists, showcasing her exceptional skills and dedication to manufacturing education.

Illinois State Board of Education Award: For the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award, April's nomination came from the Assistant Director of Des Plaines Valley Region (DVR) Education after a tour of the manufacturing classrooms and facilities. The application process for this award involved essays, educational philosophies, and letters of recommendation. April's commitment to her students and her innovative approach to teaching secured her a well-deserved win.

A Journey of Resilience: April's personal background adds a layer of inspiration to her success. With 25 years of experience as a machinist, she transitioned into education at Proviso West in 2020 without a formal background in education. Growing up in the Humboldt Park area, a low-income community similar to the one she now serves, April feels a strong connection to her students.

"I feel like I can do the most for my students in this kind of a community, because it's the kind of community I grew up in," said April. "I know the dynamic of the adversities and challenges that students have had to overcome."

Empowering Students for Success: April strives to empower her students by imparting practical knowledge and hands-on experience. She works towards opening doors for her students, securing apprenticeships, and exploring scholarship opportunities beyond academic achievements.

"This isn't the only path students have to take. They can still be successful and follow career paths through different ways. I also work to get them scholarship opportunities that they may not have been available to them as regular students or just based on the academics or grades."

Final Thoughts: April Senase's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship. Through her passion, resilience, and commitment, she not only earned prestigious awards but also instilled in her students the belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. April's message resonates with the idea that diverse career paths exist, and success is attainable within one's community. Her impact goes beyond the classroom, contributing to the collective growth and empowerment of the community she serves.