In 2024, the Illinois School Health Association (ISHA) presented Marcia Berke, an instructor at NIU School of Health Studies, with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes members of ISHA who have made a significant impact on the association by promoting and upholding quality health education in Illinois.
Berke has spent over five decades as an educator, teaching health and physical education at the high school level before joining NIU in 2014. She has been a member of the board for ISHA since 2009 and has conducted over 20 professional development sessions at state and national levels on various topics related to health education. Nominators praised Berke for her dedication to continuously educating herself on relevant health education topics and for her willingness to share her knowledge with others.
Berke emphasized the importance of collaboration in health education, stating that it is essential for educators to work together to find new understandings and pedagogical methods that make information more accessible and relevant to students. She acknowledged the challenges presented by the ever-changing nature of medicine and health but emphasized her commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, access services, and advocate for issues that concern them.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Berke participates in mentor roundtables, helping students refine their pitches and presentations. Her dedication to health education has made a lasting impact on many students throughout her career.
