The Duneland School Corporation is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 "Teacher of the Year" and "Employee of the Year" Recognition Program. The winners are:
ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Russ Hardsock - Yost Elementary School
Russ Hardsock is a third grade teacher at Yost Elementary School (YO). He graduated from Purdue University North Central in Westville, IN in 2003 with a Masters in Education and a computer endorsement. He is also an alumnus of Chesterton High School Class of 1997.
After graduating from Purdue, Russ accepted a fourth grade teaching position at Yost Elementary. He taught fourth grade for two years before transitioning to third grade. He has spent the last 22 years building strong relationships with his students, families, and colleagues at Yost Elementary.
Russ is a dedicated educator with a proven track record of inspiring student success and fostering a positive learning environment. He is committed to flexible teaching strategies, efficient curriculum development, and student engagement. He has exemplified his leadership skills by serving as the third grade level coordinator for nearly 20 years; in addition to leading a four-week Process Writing Workshop for his fellow colleagues.
He continues to hone his teaching skills by actively seeing new learning opportunities through professional development offered by Duneland School Corporation; most recently co-teaching and an Indiana Early Literacy endorsement. In addition, he regularly collaborates with Yost's second and fourth grade teams to share school goals and strives to be an effective team player using the Professional Learning Community model to maximize teacher and student growth.
At Yost, Russ serves as the third grade Reading Club sponsor and coaches girls and boys soccer. Outside of the classroom, Russ serves his community as a soccer and basketball coach at Liberty Middle, and at his church.
"In the classroom, Russ has this natural way of connecting with students," said Andrea Street, 2nd grade level coordinator and teacher. "He makes learning feel approachable, even fun. He knows how to challenge students in a way that builds their confidence, not their stress levels. And no matter what’s going on, you can always count on him to show up with patience, empathy, and a sense of humor."
"A great teacher is not only great within the four walls of their classroom, but also one who makes the entire school community better," shared Josh Huwig, principal at Yost Elementary.
SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
George Fox - Chesterton High School
George Fox is an Exceptional Learning teacher at Chesterton High School (CHS) teaching mild disabilities. He graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio & Television Communications; and in May of 1999, he received a Teaching Certification from Utah State University.
The variety of experiences in the public-school system have shaped him as a teacher. He started working in the public-school system in 1994 after graduating from college, and simultaneously accepted an evening job at an NBC news affiliate. During this period, he found a great need for special education substitutes in his rural area and later continued to substitute teach in impoverished Chicago suburbs.
In 1997, he moved to Salt Lake City and worked as an assistant in an ESL classroom and later in a middle school teaching Algebra. While attending evening classes for his teaching certification, he landed his first full-time teaching job at Cyprus High School in Utah.
In August 2000, he moved to the Duneland area for a Special Education position at CHS. Initially, he taught self-contained classes but now co-teaches. He believes education has changed a lot, and he has adapted well. His diverse experiences emphasize the importance of teaching every student individually, regardless of their circumstances.
"Education has changed a lot over the years, and I believe I have done a good job of changing with it," said Fox. "I believe I do a good job of balancing the requirements of being a Teacher of Record for students on my caseload while also teaching my day-to-day classes with four colleagues."
Working in a variety of settings, in many diverse communities, has taught him the importance of teaching every student as an individual, whether they have an IEP, 504 plan, or not. He continues to help students make progress regardless of the circumstances of a student's life and school day.
Ezra Burke, coordinator for Exceptional Learning at CHS, shared his enjoyment of working with George for the past two years and knowing him in special education for over a decade. He praised his teaching passion, positivity, and commitment to students and the school community. Burke added, "This year, George took on a new role as a mentor teacher through the Duneland Leadership Academy. He meets regularly with a first-year special education teacher, offering guidance on instructional strategies and special education processes. His support in writing IEPs and facilitating family conferences has laid a strong foundation for this new educator's success."
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Shauna Jesse - Chesterton High School - Resource Officer
Shauna Jesse, a law enforcement professional with over 22 years of experience, is currently serving Duneland School Corporation at Chesterton High School (CHS) as a School Resource Officer. She has been a Chesterton Police Department officer since 2021. She also worked as an officer for the Gary Police Department from 2002-2021.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Indiana Criminal Justice and a minor in Forensic Science from Indiana University Northwest in Gary in 2023. Her certifications include: Indiana Law Enforcement, NASRO School Resource Officer Training, Indiana School Safety Specialist, First Aid and CPR, Crisis Intervention and Workplace Specialist I Licensed.
Officer Jesse has been working as a School Resource Officer at Chesterton High School since Spring of 2022. Initially, she was hesitant to apply for the SRO position because working with juveniles did not appeal to her. However, after encouragement from Lt. Joe Christian and Sgt. Chris Swickard, she decided to give it a chance. “Serving as a School Resource Officer at Chesterton High School has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career in law enforcement,” said Jesse.
“I learned that being an SRO is about building positive relationships with students, which makes the job special.” She focuses on mentoring, collaborating with staff, and ensuring safety. Additionally, she has been working toward her Workplace Specialist teaching license and has started teaching a Principles of Criminal Justice class. She is finding joy in connecting with students and introducing them to law enforcement.
“During her short time at Chesterton High School, Officer Jesse has made a tremendous impact on both staff and students,” said CHS Counselor Gretchen Arthur. “The education profession talks a lot about building relationships and students finding their "go-to" person. She is that person for so many students at CHS. When she goes to the Cafeteria to supervise breakfast or lunch, she is immediately surrounded by students wanting to check-in with her or just share news about their day.”
Arthur refers to her as ‘The Teenager Whisper’ because students genuinely like and trust her. She makes students feel ‘seen’ and ‘known’.
The winners were awarded at their respective school/work locations by DSC administrators
Each of the winners received a $500 monetary award from the following local sponsors:
Each of the winners received a $500 monetary award from the following local sponsor The 2025 winners will be recognized at the May 5, 2025 School Board meeting. Beginning of the Year Programs in August, in DSC publications, website, and social media and on a plaque displayed at Central Office. Winners will also receive a classroom/office door banner along with a monetary stipend of $500. Thank you to 1st Source Bank, Lane One Foundation and Ellis Electric for sponsoring the recognition program. In addition, all winners will be eligible for statewide recognition as part of the Indiana Department of Education competition.
Link to the announcement with winner and finalist photos: Special April 29, 2025 DuneNews Edition.
ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
