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Team teaching is breaking the mold of high school education

MESA, Ariz. — There are plenty of negative trends showing up in education across the country. Student test scores are down and teachers are leaving the profession in droves. But, there is positive change happening too. There is a new kind of classroom that’s hoping to make the school more engaging for teachers and students.

“I can only describe it as magical,” said Jenny Denton, who teaches world history at Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona. “We work together really well.”

Denton is one of three educators overseeing a class of 100 students. It’s an initiative introduced this year

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Palos Park sisters help high school students improve literacy

After returning from a debate camp at Harvard University this summer, sisters Bella and Mia Narciso decided to create the Turn the Page Foundation to help disadvantaged high school students improve their reading skills.

The foundation’s first partner is the iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park.

The teens, who live in Palos Park, said they met people from all over the world and heard stories of the challenges some camp participants had to overcome. When they returned, they realized they were fortunate that their parents encouraged reading.

“My parents have always thought that literacy and reading were a top priority.

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Clinton High School teacher receives a national award as part of the ‘Amazing Teacher’ program

Mary Lesko Kokenakes, left, who taught for many years at Madison High School but this year began teaching English at Clinton High School, was recently named an Amazing Teacher of the Month as part of the Amazing Teacher Awards promotion that is live on The Daily Telegram's website.  It is a national award through Gannett publications, and the program is sponsored by McDonald's.  Presenting a ceremonial $5,000 check to Kokenakes Nov.  17 is Adrian South Main Street McDonald's owner Mike Bodman.

Mary Lesko Kokenakes, left, who taught for many years at Madison High School but this year began teaching English at Clinton High School, was recently named an Amazing Teacher of the Month as part of the Amazing Teacher Awards promotion that is live on The Daily Telegram’s website. It is a national award through Gannett publications, and the program is sponsored by McDonald’s. Presenting a ceremonial $5,000 check to Kokenakes Nov. 17 is Adrian South Main Street McDonald’s owner Mike Bodman.

CLINTON — An educator who earns praise for her instructional methods, reaching students at all ability levels, has been