CHICAGO, IL, September 08, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jenny Croitoru has been recognized for achievement in education.

Ms. Croitoru has dedicated more than two decades to education, serving as a fifth- to sixth-grade science teacher at James Ward Elementary School in Chicago since 2001. In this role, she teaches four classes, two fifth-grade and two sixth-grade, with a focus on science and health. She also leads laboratory classes, drawing upon her expertise in math and science to create engaging learning experiences for her students. Ms. Croitoru's commitment to fostering communication skills is evident in her classroom approach, where she consistently encourages students to express their thoughts and ideas openly.

Prior to her tenure at James Ward Elementary School, Ms. Croitoru worked as a business consultant. In this capacity, she collaborated with sales teams to help businesses improve profitability and quickly distinguished herself by ranking among the top six salespeople within her first six months. Her achievements in the business sector included attending award dinners, one of which provided the unique opportunity to dine with President Bush. Before entering the consulting field, she gained valuable experience as a pharmacy technician at Michael Reese Hospital.

Throughout her career, Ms. Croitoru has been recognized for her expertise in math and science education. She has been a member of the National Science Teachers Association, remaining actively involved since 2013. Her professional journey has been marked by several accolades, including the Above and Beyond Award from Junior Achievement, the Master Teacher distinction from Chicago Public Schools Master Science Teacher program and the Lester Crown Griffin MSI Distinguished Teacher Award from the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

Ms. Croitoru's academic background includes a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Olivet Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago. The support of her family and colleagues has played an instrumental role in her success, providing encouragement and camaraderie throughout her career. Inspired by her children and encouraged by a principal who recognized her natural rapport with young learners, Ms. Croitoru transitioned from business consulting to teaching after substitute teaching in local schools revealed her passion for education.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms. Croitoru has contributed to civic initiatives as a volunteer with the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, participating in neighborhood clean-up efforts. She has also volunteered with Junior Achievement for two decades, reflecting a longstanding commitment to community engagement.

Born in Chicago, Ms. Croitoru values time spent with her supportive family — an achievement she considers among her most significant — and is the proud parent of three children. Her personal interests include cooking, traveling and engaging in arts and crafts. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to seeing her students succeed and finds fulfillment when former students return to share how her classes prepared them for future challenges. This ongoing connection underscores her passion for helping young people become thoughtful citizens and active participants in their communities.

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