CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Champaign Unit 4 School District school psychologist Kevin Farrell has been named the Illinois School Psychologists Association (ISPA) Practitioner of the Year, the district announced Wednesday.
The Practitioner of the Year Award is ISPA’s highest honor for practicing school psychologists and recognizes outstanding professional achievement statewide. Farrell was nominated by Carrie Busey Elementary School Principal Daniel Nock and Unit 4 Special Education Administrator Jacquelyn Teague.
In her nomination letter, Teague highlighted Farrell’s commitment to students, families and schools across the district, describing him as an advocate, mentor and leader who models integrity, compassion and professionalism. She cited his strengths in data-driven decision-making, collaboration and culturally responsive practices, as well as his leadership on building- and district-level Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) teams.
Farrell supports students’ academic growth, social-emotional learning and mental health from early childhood through the district’s Young Adult Program. He also plays a key role in prevention and crisis intervention efforts as a member of the district’s Crisis Team.
His work emphasizes strong partnerships among schools, families and the broader community to support student success.
“Kevin consistently goes above and beyond for students and colleagues,” Nock said. “His dedication, leadership and ability to bring people together around student success truly set him apart.”