HR0396 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0396 LRB096 12695 KXB 26339 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Sharon Seals on her retirement from School District 129 in Aurora; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Seals received her early education from the Chicago Public School system, graduating with honors from Calumet High School in 1970; she is an outstanding alumna of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, receiving a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Education in 1974, and a Master's of Science degree in Education in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Seals has given thirty-five years of service educating students and teachers; she taught music and art in the Chicago Public School System from 1974 to 1976; in the fall of 1976, she was employed by the Aurora Public School District 129 and assigned to Gertrude Smith Elementary School, where she remained for thirty-three years; and

WHEREAS, She served in a variety of instructional/advisory positions at Gertrude Smith Elementary School; she taught grades 1-4 during her tenure; in this capacity, she planned, organized, and taught daily lessons; she was noted for creating unique lessons in math, reading, science, writing, and social studies; further, she adapted instruction for special needs students, i.e., autism, learning disabled, and attention deficit disorder; she created interactive bulletin boards in and outside of the classroom, facilitated guided reading groups, and developing comprehensions and assessments; and

WHEREAS, As a professional educator with an exemplary record of service, Sharon Seals was highly regarded by her colleagues, serving as team leader of grade levels; in this role, she frequently collaborated with other classroom teachers, other staff, and parents; she served as a motivational speaker for students, produced and directed all-school programs, and implemented a reward and discipline system for students; and

WHEREAS, Her communication style with school staff, students, and parents has been described as warm and diplomatic; in the community, Sharon Seals is committed to service; as a faithful member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, she served in numerous capacities including: music director of the Junior Choir, assistant director of Easter and Children's Day programs, Sunday School Attendant, Chairperson of graduation activities, and Women's Day keynote speaker; and

WHEREAS, Sharon has been married to Donnie Seals, Sr. for the past thirty-four years; they are the proud parents of three children who are college graduates and successful, productive citizens in their various communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Sharon Seals on her retirement and wish her the best in her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Sharon Seals as a symbol of our respect.