For the first time in 2026, Ankin Law has joined WGN-TV to bestow an honor upon a worthy Chicagoland educator.

Congratulations are in order for Mrs. Jodie Busse, a teacher at Indian Prairie Elementary School in Crystal Lake, who was named the January recipient of the “Teacher of the Month Award.”
This is given monthly to an outstanding person who works at a school in Chicagoland by the law firm and television station. Nominated by a student in her class, Busse is the fifth teacher to be honored during the 2025-2026 academic year.
A 25-year veteran of the education profession, Busse teaches fourth grade at Indian Prairie, which is a part of Crystal Lake Elementary District 47. She makes it a point to emphasize kindness and the importance of inclusion while teaching her students.
Attorney Scott Goldstein was on hand at the school to present the Teacher of the Month Award to Mrs. Busse on January 22.
You can learn more about the January Teacher of the Month in the video.