Contact: Allison Baxter – abaxter@civicmissionschools.org 

Spoon River Valley Elementary and Junior High Schools Join Illinois Democracy School Network

CHICAGO, Illinois — The Illinois Democracy Schools Network, based at Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of Technology, is proud to announce that Spoon River Valley Elementary School and Spoon River Valley Junior High School have earned recognition as Illinois Democracy Schools.

With these additions, every school in Spoon River Valley Community Unit School District 4 is now part of the Illinois Democracy Schools Network. Spoon River Valley High School earned its designation in 2022. The district becomes only the second K–12 Illinois Democracy School district in the state, joining Carlinville Community Unit School District 1, which reached this milestone in 2025.

The recognition process for both schools was led by Jen Burdette, a social studies teacher at Spoon River Valley CUSD 4, who worked closely with Principal Jody Collier.

“I am so proud that the staff at Spoon River Valley is committed to providing civic learning experiences that empower students with a voice not only within their school but in their communities,” said Collier.

Burdette also worked with Melanie Hanlin, junior high team lead, and Julia McConkey, elementary team lead. Together, the teams reflected on current practices, examined evidence, identified areas of strength and growth, and developed plans for expanding civic learning and student participation throughout the district.

“Spoon River Valley’s commitment demonstrates that civic learning does not begin with a single high school course,” said Mary Ellen Daneels, director of the Illinois Civics Hub and Illinois Democracy Schools Network. “Students can begin developing the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and experiences needed for civic life from their earliest years. By creating a K–12 pathway, Spoon River Valley is ensuring that civic learning and student agency grow intentionally across grade levels.”

Illinois Democracy Schools provide students with opportunities to learn about and participate in constitutional democracy through schoolwide civic learning. Recognized schools foster inclusive learning environments, engage students in inquiry, create meaningful opportunities for student voice and agency, and use reflection and evidence to strengthen their practices over time.

“This network is valuable to all teachers, regardless of discipline, because it provides the tools and resources to establish a school environment where students feel valued and receptive to learning. By promoting civic practices, we are positively impacting the culture of our building, and there really is something for everyone. I have been amazed at what teachers in so many disciplines have been able to do with their participation in this network,” said Burdette.

The addition of Spoon River Valley Elementary and Junior High Schools also marks an important step in the Illinois Democracy Schools Network’s expansion into the middle and elementary grades. The network has historically recognized high schools and is now working with schools and districts to build sustainable civic-learning pathways that begin well before students enter high school.

“Spoon River Valley illustrates what is possible when a district approaches civic learning as a shared K–12 mission,” Daneels added. “We are delighted to welcome both school communities into the network and look forward to learning from their students and educators.”

The Illinois Democracy Schools Network congratulates the students, educators, administrators, families, and community partners of Spoon River Valley CUSD 4 on this significant achievement.

About Illinois Democracy Schools

The Illinois Democracy Schools Network supports schools in strengthening civic learning across disciplines and throughout school culture. Illinois Democracy Schools are recognized for their commitment to preparing students for informed, effective, and lifelong participation in constitutional democracy.

With funding from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the network is expanding the Illinois Democracy Schools model to middle schools throughout the state. This initiative provides participating schools with professional learning, coaching, assessment tools, and other resources to strengthen civic learning and student agency while building stronger connections between middle and high school civic experiences.