Piatt County educator in the running for America's Favorite Teacher

Jana Wiersema, The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
·1 min read

Apr. 5—PIATT COUNTY — A kindergarten teacher in the DeLand-Weldon school district has a shot at appearing in Reader's Digest in recognition of her work.

Abby Long has advanced to the top 20 round of the America's Favorite Teacher competition.

"I have wanted to be a teacher since first grade and strive to be as great as my own teachers through constant reflection and learning," she wrote in her profile.

The winner of the competition will appear in Reader's Digest and will also win a trip to Hawaii and $25,000.

Long is currently ranked seventh. Individuals can place their vote by going to . It is free to place a single vote every day. Individuals can also place more votes by donating $1 to Teach for America per each additional vote.

Voting for the top 15 ends at 9 p.m. Central time April 11.

Long wrote in her profile that if selected, she plans to use the prize money for something that is close to her heart.

"I have dedicated 11 years to education, spending most of my savings in my classroom and items for my students' basic needs," she said. "My husband and I would like to start a family but recently found out we will need to go through IVF in order to have children. This money would help us realize our dream of growing our family and being able to continue a career in education."