East St. Louis Teacher Receives Prestigious Illinois Award

Myisha Ross from Dr Katie Harper Wright Elementary honored for exceptional dedication in special education by Illinois State Board of Education.

Dan Brannan, Content Director

Feb 15, 2026 8:15 AM

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Myisha Ross, a special education teacher at Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189, has received the Illinois State Board of Education’s Award of Special Recognition as part of the Those Who Excel 2026 honors, the district announced.

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The award “celebrates educators who are valued for the skills, passion, and dedication they bring to their school communities each day,” according to the district’s statement.

Ross was recognized in the Early Career Educator category, which the district described as for educators with “less than 5 years teaching experience.”

“Ms. Ross’s dedication to supporting students with diverse learning needs and her commitment to growth as an early career educator make her an invaluable member of her school community,” the East St. Louis School District 189 said. “Her impact is already making a difference in the lives of her students.”

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