Helping 4-year-olds get a head start on school learning has many challenges. This teacher found a great way to inspire high achievement.

This week, we get to honor another special Rockford-area teacher who brings a little something 'extra' to their classroom.

97ZOK's New Teacher of the Week

Congratulations to Emily Miller from Alpine Academy in Rockford, Illinois. This very 'groovy' teacher has found the coolest way to get the littles in her classroom to be perfectly prepared for greatness.

Illinois Pre-K Teacher Makes Big Impact One 30-Second Dance Party at a Time
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Emily was nominated for this honor by Sarah and Craig Burmeister who have a son in her class. They write,

Mrs. Miller is our son's first teacher and she has made his first school experience one to remember.  She is FUN, engaging, positive, caring, encouraging and it reflects in what my son brings home each day.  He is only 4 and he is already writing his name! She has the best communication, which is invaluable to a parent. I'm not a teacher, but I can imagine teaching in a global pandemic can't be easy, but Mrs. Miller doesn't let this get in her way of making an impact on her students. She is a role model that deserves nothing but credit for making the Alpine Academy Pre-K 4 program a success! To end on a bang, my son says she throws a great dance party and knows how to "shake the sillies out!"

Illinois Pre-K Teacher Makes Big Impact One 30-Second Dance Party at a Time
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Illinois Pre-K Teacher Makes Big Impact One 30-Second Dance Party at a Time
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As 97ZOK's Teacher Of The Week, Emily Miller was surprised with a beautiful floral arrangement from Broadway Florist and a delicious cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. You can nominate your favorite teacher right here.

Illinois Pre-K Teacher Makes Big Impact One 30-Second Dance Party at a Time
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Here's a video from the makers of the the 30-Second Dance Party button that Emily pushes when it's time to clear the little brains out before getting to work.

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