April 2026 Excellence in Education Awards

Nominate

Jerome Jt. School District No. 261

125 4th Avenue West Jerome, Idaho 83338

Telephone (208) 324-2392 • FAX (208) 324-7609

Mr. Brent Johnson, Superintendent of Schools

The Jerome School District and Jiffy Lube/Burton Group announce the Excellence in Education recipients for April, 2026: Frontier Elementary Teacher, Jennifer Green; Jerome High School Teacher, Stacy Sobotka; Falls City Academy Administrator, Stacey McFarland; & Horizon Elementary School para, Christy Keys. 

The Excellence in Education Award recipients for April, 2026 are:

Elementary Certified Recipient: Jennifer Green

Elementary certified recipient: Jennifer Green, was nominated by a parent: “I am honored to nominate my child’s teacher for the Educator in Excellence award. It is difficult to fully capture the impact she has had on my child and our family, but her influence has truly been life-changing.

This year, we have seen more growth in our child than in the previous two years combined. Not only has he made meaningful academic progress, but he has also developed a genuine love for school and learning—something we once struggled to see. That transformation is a direct result of her dedication, skill, and care.

What makes her exceptional is her ability to strike the perfect balance between high expectations and deep compassion. She holds my child accountable in a way that challenges him to grow, while also making him feel supported, valued, and capable. She understands how to meet him where he is and uses thoughtful, effective strategies to build both his confidence and his understanding.

Because of her, my child believes in himself. He is excited to go to school, proud of his accomplishments, and motivated to keep learning. As a parent, there is no greater gift than seeing your child feel successful and happy in their education.

We will forever be grateful for the difference she has made in his life. She is truly deserving of recognition for the care, expertise, and heart she brings to her classroom every single day.  

We are proud to be Tigers and Ms. Green truly makes us feel like one family raising good students and future adults.”

Secondary Certified Recipient: Stacy Sobotka

Secondary certified recipient: Stacy Sobotka, was nominated by four students: “I am honored to nominate my French teacher, Stacy Sobotka, for the Excellence in Education Award because she consistently goes above and beyond for her students, even in the face of personal challenges.

Despite experiencing significant stress regarding her husband’s and father’s health, she shows incredible dedication by being present at school every day and taking very little time off. Her commitment to her students is astonishing, and she continues to give her best, even when it is clear she is carrying a heavy personal load.

She creates a positive, welcoming classroom environment and is truly one of the kindest, most compassionate people I have ever met. She brings warmth and light into the classroom every day, making students feel valued and supported. Her passion for teaching is evident in everything she does. She finds ways to make learning French engaging and exciting, inspiring students to genuinely care about the language and culture.

She often goes out of her way to make her students feel appreciated, even taking time outside of her already busy schedule to do thoughtful things like baking treats. Her actions show that she prioritizes her students’ well-being and happiness, often putting their needs before her own.

It's upsetting when students disrespect her because she doesn't deserve any of that. She is a gift from God Himself and she deserves nothing more than this recognition.

Despite her hard work and dedication, she receives far too little recognition for the impact she makes. She is not just a teacher, she is a role model, a friend, a source of encouragement, and someone who truly cares about every student she teaches. Her unwavering commitment, compassion, and ability to inspire make her more than deserving of this award.  

She is the kind of teacher who quietly goes above and beyond every day without expecting any form of celebration or recognition.

However, her impact is deeply felt by her students, who appreciate the care, effort, and dedication she brings into the classroom.

Recognizing her would truly reflect the values this award represents. Even her colleagues love being in her presence.

She deserves this award more than anyone in the Jerome School District because her impact is nothing small. She has changed the lives of several students and it shows.”

“Mrs. Sobotka is one of the kindest teachers there is. She strives to make Jerome High School a better place everyday. Her class is such a joy. 

She is always committed to the excellence of her students and continues to go above and beyond her station.  

She should be selected because she tries to keep everyone on their toes and makes sure she puts a smile on everyone's face and helps others when needed even if she is having personal matters at home.  

She tries to come to school even if things are hard at home and tries to help those who need help or just need someone to talk to. She is always there for those in need and makes everyone's day.” 

Classified Staff Recipient: Christy Keys

Classified staff recipient: Christy Keys, was nominated by a teacher with these statements: “Christy is the emotional center of the whole school.  She deals with behaviors and emotions all day in our Reset Room.  She is a safe space for frustrated and tired teachers to let off some steam.  She does an excellent job at creating a calm safe space that staff and students know they can go to when they are struggling. She is a team player and is always willing to help out with extra things by doing pick-up line duties, the school store, laminating and cutting things out and she even has class guinea pigs, which the students love.”

Administrator: Stacey McFarland

Administrator recipient: Stacey McFarland, was nominated by a student and a teacher at her school: “I personally think that Mrs. McFarland would be a perfect candidate to nominate because she always does so much for the school and students. She always greets them and helps them with their troubles and keeps Falls City Academy a safe space for all of her students. She listens and is always smiling because she genuinely loves and cares for everybody at Falls City Academy, including when I had to do my interview to come to Falls City Academy. She was a very good interviewer and went over everything clearly and thoroughly with me and my mother. Therefore, I would love for Mrs. McFarland to get nominated.  

She is one of the best principals that I have ever had.”

“Mrs. McFarland shows care and concern for students like I have never seen before. She watches over students on their grades several times a quarter, she listens to their challenges, addressing each one by name, and she deals with behaviors in a calming and respectful way that makes true change. She works to make education better by leading her team in implementing competency-based education. She sees the potential in each student and views them through their strengths. She works long hours to ensure that all entities are moving towards our school's goals. She encourages staff  input to increase value in the team and school. She works tirelessly to improve every aspect of FCA.  

Working for her has been a joy. I feel valued for my talents in a way I never have before. I was burned out on teaching and didn't want to continue, until, that is, I worked for her. She saved my career and I have found joy again in teaching.”

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The Excellence in Education Award program began in 2016 and continues through the 2025-2026 school year and has recognized the district’s outstanding teachers and classified staff each month, for a full list of award recipients contact the district office. The Jerome School District presents each recipient a plaque with a $50 gift card provided by Jiffy Lube/Burton Group at the monthly school board meetings.

The community is highly encouraged to nominate any staff member from the Jerome School District. To do so, please visit: https://www.jeromeschools.org/excellence-in-education.