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Five educators from the Coal City Community Unit School District have been named Star Teachers for 2025, following nominations and selections by their colleagues. The recognition program is run by the Coal City Community Unit Education Association (CCUEA), which represents certified staff in the district. Each school building selected one teacher to be honored, with all recipients featured in the union’s entry at the annual Coaler Homecoming parade.
This year’s Star Teachers are Cade Mueller from Early Childhood Center, Cristina Schultz from Coal City Elementary School, Steven McCleary from Coal City Intermediate School, Pam McMurtrey from Coal City Middle School, and Jeremy Unger from 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 in his first year as a physical education teacher at Early Childhood Center. A colleague said, “Cade has a strong connection with the young students at the ECC and they are always so excited to see him. I love how he gets down on their level when he talks with them.” Other nominations highlighted his ability to manage large groups of students in the gym and his positive attitude toward both students and staff. Another nomination added, “I’m so thankful he has joined the staff at CCECC. We are lucky to have him.”
Cristina Schultz serves as school counselor at Coal City Elementary School. According to her colleagues, she is “positive, informative, great with students, a great colleague, and an inspiration to be the best you can be.” One nomination noted: “She comes in everyday ready for the day and is very student centered. She is an amazing counselor and the kids love her.” Another colleague wrote: “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.”
Steven McCleary was selected as Star Teacher for Coal City Intermediate School where he teaches physical education. Nominations mentioned that he manages large class sizes calmly: “He has taken on triple volume PE classes like it’s no big deal.” A nominating teacher also appreciated his collegiality: “Not only is Mr. McCleary a great colleague to talk to, they appreciate his attempts to get them winning lottery tickets!” Teachers emphasized that “Steven is always looking out for students’ best interests with fun activities that involve the whole school.”
Pam McMurtrey earned recognition at Coal City Middle School for taking on new roles this year while continuing her teaching responsibilities; she also coaches volleyball teams at both middle school during winter and high school seasons. One nomination read: “She has rolled up her sleeves and dug right in.” Another stated: “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.”
Jeremy Unger was named Star Teacher by colleagues at Coal City High School who described him as "a good guy and a good example." One nomination read: "I love how much students are connected to and inspired by Mr. Unger." He supports students inside classrooms as well as attending athletic events or fine arts programs regularly—students know where he sits in gyms or stands during games according to nominations submitted on his behalf.
Another comment noted Unger's dedication: "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." Colleagues summed up their appreciation by saying: "Jeremy's a great teacher and an even better friend."
