When it comes to lighting up education, a few teachers shine brighter than the rest. In recognition of their dedication to students and the school community, five Coal City Community Unit School District educators—one from each academic building—were selected by their colleagues as this year’s Star Teachers.
The recognition program was established by the Coal City Community Unit Education Association [CCUEA], the union that represents the school district’s certified staff. Members of the union were provided an opportunity to nominate a teacher at each building, the recipients being featured in the union’s entry in the annual Coaler Homecoming parade.
Selected as this year’s Star Teachers—Cade Mueller, Early Childhood Center; Cristina Schultz, Coal City Elementary School; Steven McCleary, Coal City Intermediate School; Pam McMurtrey, Coal City Middle School, and Jeremy Unger, Coal City High School.
“We are proud of all of our union members, and it was great to see the support and positive comments given to colleagues,” stated CCUEA representatives.
Cade Mueller is a first year teacher at the Early Childhood Center and his colleagues say he is off to a great start.
“Cade has a strong connection with the young students at the ECC and they are always so excited to see him,” said a colleague, who went on to say, “I love how he gets down on their level when he talks with them.”
According to the nominations, Cade—the building’s physical education teacher— is great at managing the large number of students he has in the gym at one time, he is extremely positive with both students and staff, and is not afraid to seek help from colleagues when he has questions or concerns about dealing with students.
“I’m so thankful he has joined the staff at CCECC. We are lucky to have him,” one of his colleagues said in their nomination.
Cristina Schultz is the school counselor at Coal City Elementary School and according to teachers in her building she is positive, informative, great with students, a great colleague, and an inspiration to be the best you can be.
As stated in a nomination, “she comes in everyday ready for the day and is very student centered. She is an amazing counselor and the kids love her.”
A colleague shared, “Mrs. Schultz is a great co-worker to her peers and a great school counselor to the students at CCES. She is always there to help the students and teachers. She listens carefully, gives sound advice, and is always good for a laugh. CCES is a better place because of Mrs. Schultz.”
Coal City Intermediate School physical education teacher Steven McCleary was selected by his peers as their 2025 Star Teacher. As one of the nominations stated, he has taken on triple volume PE classes like it’s no big deal. He is a calm presence in the chaos that can be the ES/IS combo.
One of the nominating teachers shared, not only is Mr. McCleary a great colleague to talk to, they appreciate his attempts to get them winning lottery tickets!
More importantly, the teachers say, “Steven is always looking out for students’ best interests with fun activities that involve the whole school.”
Pam McMurtrey goes above and beyond to help her students and that has earned her the respect and admiration of her fellow teachers at the middle school.
This year she has taken on a new role at the school and according to the nominations she has risen to the challenge. “She has rolled up her sleeves and dug right in,” stated one of the nominations for her selection as the building’s Star Teacher.
In addition to teaching and tackling new things, McMurtrey is coaching the high school volleyball team and is the middle school volleyball coach in the winter.
“She builds up co-workers and brings a smile to my face every time I see her. She is just filled with compassion and love for all she does,” stated a colleague's nomination.
Coal City High School’s Star Teacher Jeremy Unger is described by colleagues as, “a good guy and a good example, which gives a great vibe to the profession.”
“I love how much students are connected to and inspired by Mr. Unger,” stated one of the nominations in his honor. The nominations went on to share that he is a teacher who clearly loves his job, and loves to show support to his students. “I see him all the time as a spectator at athletic events and fine arts events.” He even has a regular spot he sits at in the gym or football stands —just ask the kids - they know where to find him.
“Jeremy is the embodiment of going above and beyond for your students. He is always one of (if
not the) first teacher to arrive and the last to leave daily. He will provide his time and help to
students without a second thought, even if they do not have him in class,” stated one of the nominations.
Overall, his colleagues say, “Jeremy's a great teacher and an even better friend.”