Illinois Teachers Named to Curriculum Associates' 2025 Class of Extraordinary Educators™

Brooke Schmidt of Drexel School in Cicero, IL, and Michelle Hampton of ROE 21 in Mt. Vernon, IL, receive national recognition for pioneering innovative classroom strategies while driving high expectations and student achievement.

CHICAGO, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Curriculum Associates has named Brooke Schmidt of Drexel School in Cicero and Michelle Hampton of ROE 21 in Mt. Vernon to its 2025 class of Extraordinary Educators, an annual program that celebrates and connects teachers from across the country who go above and beyond for their students in Grades K–8. Selected from hundreds of nominations, Schmidt and Hampton are part of a select group of 29 educators who exhibit best-in-class use of i-Ready^®, i-Ready Classroom Mathematics, and/or Ready^®. They have also promoted growth and achievement through interim assessments, pioneered innovative engagement strategies, and elevated the expectations and achievement of their students.

"Valuing equity creates a learning experience filled with positivity, inclusion, and respect," said Hampton. "I live by the motto, 'Fair isn't everyone getting the same thing. Fair is everyone getting what they need to be successful.' In my classroom, that means creating a safe, supportive space where every student feels heard—and using tools like i-Ready to give each learner what they need to grow."

"Positivity in the classroom is absolutely essential," said Schmidt. "Creating an environment where students can be heard and are supported through different learning techniques fosters a sense of belonging and purpose."

This year's class of Extraordinary Educators includes a diverse range of backgrounds and roles—from classroom teachers to specialists and gifted support teachers. Each educator's application was reviewed by an internal selection committee composed of Curriculum Associates employees with various roles across the company and finalized by an advisory board that included Curriculum Associates and Extraordinary Educator alumni.

"The impact these teachers make creates ripple effects in their communities and across the country," said Kelly Sia, CEO of Curriculum Associates. "We are delighted to celebrate these remarkable educators and the transformative work they do to ensure better students outcomes. Our Extraordinary Educators, selected from hundreds of nominations and submissions, embody our mission of impact in the classroom and work to unlock the potential of every student." 

This class of Extraordinary Educators will enjoy continued access to a network of their distinguished peers from across the country to collaborate, connect, and explore new and unique ways to prepare the next generation of learners. They will also receive access to professional learning opportunities, including an invitation to participate and present at the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit and other professional learning events.

About Curriculum Associates
Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates is a mission-driven education company committed to grade-level success for every learner. We support more than 14 million students and one million teachers across the U.S. with our award winning service and evidence-based programs including i-Ready^®, Magnetic^®, and BRIGANCE^®. Learn more at www.curriculumassociates.com.

Media contact: press@cainc.com

SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC