Dr. Maude A. Sanders Primary School
Peoria, IL
Alexis Wellmaker has spent 25 years shaping lives—not just through instruction, but through acts of love, advocacy, and dedication that extend far beyond the classroom. Her recent students showed 122% growth on their math assessments, a testament to her tireless effort and intentional teaching. But it’s the personal stories that reveal the true impact she’s had.
She handcrafted personalized Christmas stockings to help each student feel seen during the holidays. She once bought a student new shoes when she noticed their only pair was worn and tattered. Year after year, she has used her own money to buy books, treats, supplies, and incentives, ensuring her students have the tools and motivation to thrive.
Alexis has taught 1st through 4th grades, and many of her former students now lead successful lives as coaches, chefs, nurses, and educators, proudly crediting her as a major influence. She listens deeply to families, honoring their insight and responding with care that fosters real academic and personal growth.
Beyond her classroom, Alexis spent years caring for our aging mother while still giving her all to her students—sacrificing starting a family of her own to be a stable, loving presence in the lives of others. Her students and peers have become her family. She embodies what it means to teach with heart, and her legacy endures in the lives she has helped shape.
Alexis Wellmaker is not only cherished by her students and their families, but she is also deeply respected by her colleagues and community. In 2025, she was honored by her local union in Peoria, Illinois, alongside 21 other educators, for reaching an incredible 25 years in education—a milestone that reflects her enduring commitment to the profession and the lives she’s touched.
In 2017, Alexis was selected by her peers to receive the prestigious Kraf-Custer Award for Outstanding Educators in Pinellas County, Florida. This award is given to educators who exemplify excellence in teaching and go above and beyond to serve their students and school communities. That her peers nominated her speaks volumes—she is known not just for her skill in the classroom, but for her heart, leadership, and integrity.
While these formal recognitions stand out, Alexis’s most meaningful honors may be the countless thank-you notes, former students who return to visit, and colleagues who lean on her for mentorship. Even when no one is watching, she’s showing up with the same level of care. Her legacy is written not just in awards, but in the lives she’s lifted along the way.
Over the years, Alexis Wellmaker has proven to be a resilient, resourceful, and deeply versatile educator—especially in the face of challenges and constant change. As a modern educator, she has mastered the art of differentiation, skillfully modifying lessons to meet the needs of gifted learners, students with special needs, and those who need extra support. Her commitment to equity ensures that every child receives not only instruction, but meaningful engagement that leads to growth.
In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, Alexis has adapted by integrating technology, designing engaging and interactive lessons that inspire curiosity and participation. Whether she’s leading dynamic whole-group instruction or pulling small groups for targeted support, she makes learning feel personal and relevant.
Throughout her career, Alexis has faced an additional challenge many never see: caring for our aging mother while working full-time as a teacher. The emotional, physical, and mental demands of caregiving—on top of her professional responsibilities—would overwhelm most, yet she carried it with quiet strength. She never let it compromise the quality of her instruction or the joy she brought into her classroom.
During times of staffing shortages and shifting educational mandates, Alexis never wavered. She stepped up to mentor colleagues, support classroom transitions, and ensure that no student was left behind academically or emotionally.
Her innovation doesn’t always require flashy tools—sometimes it’s as simple as the way she brings a lesson to life with storytelling, or how she turns a routine worksheet into a hands-on learning experience. Alexis thrives in change, seeing each challenge as an opportunity to better serve her students.