Outstanding Educator Awards

"Senior year was the hardest year of my life, and I couldn't have gotten through it without Mr. Shulman.”

— Caroline Wegner, AB’16

“Mr. Pande taught me for two years, and that was enough to transform my approach to learning.”

— Kumar Anurag, AB’16

“Mrs. Foster and her English class completely changed the way I approach language.”

— Michika Maeda, AB’16

“Mrs. Albert opened the world of math to me, and I'll be forever grateful to her for that.”

— Katherine Wheeler, AB’17

“Mrs. Hancock is always there to lend a sympathetic ear, listening to problems great and small.”

— Andrus Hatem, Class of 2020

“Dr. Ferguson makes each student feel like they are the most important person in the room.”

— Sarah Weiswasser, AB'19

Meet the Teachers Who Change Lives

They think carefully about their instruction. They share an infectious love for learning. They care about their students, both inside and outside the classroom. Outstanding educators go beyond everyday teaching and leave an impression that is carried over a lifetime.

UChicago gives newly admitted students the opportunity to recognize the educators who have made a difference in their lives. And every year the incoming class responds with stories that are truly inspiring.

View some of our past winners:

Carlos Montero

Carlos Montero, 2012 Award Recipient

English

Dr. Michael M. Krop High School

Miami, FL

"Mr. Montero is a consummate educator. His zeal for Chemistry is infectious, and is, in large part, the cause for my own interest in the sciences. Mr. Montero has been my teacher, my mentor, and my friend." — Marc Vernick, AB'17

With nine years of teaching, Carlos Montero is committed to the idea that he has something to learn from his students. As a Chemistry teacher, he embraces creative approaches to the scientific method and is always accepting of mistakes.

Bonnie Moss

Bonnie Moss, 2012 Award Recipient

Spanish

Portage Central High School

Portage, MI

"Bonnie Moss is an outstanding educator for reasons that extend beyond the simple definition of what a ‘teacher’ is. She built upon my desire for education and reinforced the importance of cultural understanding. — Daniel Tumm, AB'16

Bonnie Moss knew she would pursue teaching when she entered high school and fell in love with the Spanish language. In her classroom now, Señora Moss incorporates a total immersion method, working everyday to help students prepare for Spanish both in college and outside the classroom.

Jonathan Shulman

Jonathan Shulman, 2012 Award Recipient

World History and U.S. Government & Politics

La Jolla Country Day School

La Jolla, CA

"Senior year was the hardest year of my life, and I couldn't have gotten through it without Mr. Shulman. He created an environment in the classroom that encouraged argument and discussion, one that didn't penalize you for a wrong answer, where everyone became equals and, eventually, life-long friends." — Caroline Wegner, AB’16

Jonathan Shulman is motivated by his students’ ability to contribute to their communities. He seeks out special partnerships with community groups like the San Diego History Center to ensure that his students receive a well-rounded education that fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Devondra McMillan

Devondra McMillan, 2012 Award Recipient

Classics

Lawrenceville High School

Lawrenceville, NJ

“She is individualistic, charming, and bold, but also deep down, while her searing sarcasm makes it hard to see, perhaps the most caring and loving adult on campus.” — Daniel Kang, AB’16

Devondra McMillan appreciates how students offer unique perspectives on the world. As a Classics and Latin teacher, she uses the liberal arts to instill perseverance and self-confidence so that students can make educated decisions about who they want to be.

Lisa Thyer

Lisa Thyer, 2012 Award Recipient

English

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

Palos Hills, IL

“Between her coaching early morning track practices and staying after the bell to answer questions, Mrs. Thyer dedicates all of her time to helping the students she so obviously cares about.” — Mara Heneghan, AB’16

Lisa Thyer is motivated by stories. She loves how they push her students to develop empathy and to think beyond the surface. Whether it’s bringing in a slam poet or relating to Shakespearean tragedies, Mrs. Thyer constantly works to make her curriculum relevant.

Bipul Pande

Bipul Pande, 2012 Award Recipient

Physics

Dhirubhai Ambani International School

Mumbai, India

"Mr. Pande is one of those rare people who not only has an unimaginable passion for his subject, but also an ability to instill such passion in others. He taught me for two years, and that was enough to transform my approach to learning. His approach to education is based on curiosity, and he does an excellent job of provoking us to ask more questions." — Kumar Anurag, AB’16

Bipul Pande teaches his students to dream. He’ll repeat things a hundred times if that’s what it takes to make something stick, and he insists that, even with 20 years of teaching experience, he’s still learning patience, tolerance, and understanding everyday in the classroom.

Denise Foster

Denise Foster, 2012 Award Recipient

English

Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Lincolnshire, IL

“Mrs. Foster and her English class completely changed the way I approach language. Junior year was stressful, but talking to Mrs. Foster always allowed me to refocus and see the important things in life.” — Michika Maeda, AB’16

Denise Foster is committed to the idea that teaching English goes beyond reading or writing, and is also about teaching students to explore and grapple. Mrs. foster writes with her students and goes out of her way to share personal stories to foster honest, insightful classwork that helps make sense of the world.

Ian Altman

Ian Altman, 2012 Award Recipient

English

Clarke Central High School

Athens, GA

“Mr. Altman is perhaps one of the most selfless people I have ever met. His classroom is a safe haven for discussion of anything, however controversial.” — Joyce Lu, AB’16

Ian Altman creates an environment where students are pushed not just to solve problems, but to create them as well. He asks his English class to reflect and be critical of its own curriculum, and, with a record of assisting undocumented immigrants, he strives to leave a legacy as an advocate for all students.

Lynn Mittler

Lynn A. Mittler, 2012 Award Recipient

English

Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School

St. Louis, MO

“Ms. Mittler does everything with a smile and a bit of sarcastic humor, which helps criticism on papers go down better. As a teacher, advisor, coach, and mentor, Ms. Mittler does it all and then some.” — Sophia Critchfield-Jain, AB’16

Lynn Mittler wants her students to learn about the world around them. In her nearly 20 years of teaching, she has created a class called the Global Action Project and has fostered all kinds of interdisciplinary work at her school. She pushes her students to become leaders in their fields or creators of new fields entirely.

Marcia Lavine

Marcia Lavine, 2012 Award Recipient

European History and Art History

University School of Nashville

Nashville, TN

“Dr. Lavine did more than give us hard tests and massive amounts of material by pushing us to see in new and different ways. I never thought of myself as a high schooler in her class; she gave us more credit than that and treated us as students in the purest sense of the word, never watering down material or accepting less than our best.” — Murphy Spence, AB’16

Over 24 years of teaching has taught Marcia Lavine to say “I don’t know” when asked a question outside of her expertise. She emphasizes the importance of making educated guesses and, as a means of improvement, she insists that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes.

Mary Clair Wissman

Mary Clair Wissman, 2012 Award Recipient

French

International Academy’s West Campus

Bloomfield Hills, MI

“In her classroom, the French language is not only about conjugations and tenses. It turns into a culture and a whole new world to explore. Giving us pep talks when our school load gets too large to handle, and advice when we need it, she always makes sure that she is there for us every step of the way.” — Rebecca Mak, AB’16

Mary Clair Wissman can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to be a teacher. Over her 16 years teaching French, she has worked hard to incorporate on-site teaching and enjoys how her students help her remember what it’s like to discover something for the first time.

Önder Kaya

Önder Kaya, 2013 Recipient

History

Robert College

Istanbul, Turkey

“Önder Kaya always wanted us to speak and listened to our opinions carefully. His positive nature helped me be optimistic during some bad times. He managed to make history one of my favorite subjects.” — Hazal Goksu, AB’17

Önder Kaya is a history buff who is committed to finding aspects of the subject that are both fun and didactic. He makes the most of his school’s location in Istanbul, often incorporating walking tours of historic districts to make the instruction more hands-on.

Anita Chetty

Anita Chetty, 2013 Award Recipient

Biology

The Harker School

San Jose, CA

“She put her faith in me and fought to get me a place on a government-funded research team. Some teachers are willing to risk their time and personal efforts for students they take an interest in, and Ms. Chetty has done that countless times.” — David Grossman, AB’17

Anita Chetty appreciates the opportunity to work with students as they’re beginning to form their opinions about the world. As a biology teacher, she strives to provide them with the tools needed to be engaged, confident problems solvers.

Ellie Rozendaal

Ellie Rozendaal, 2013 Award Recipient

Publications Advisor

Sunset High School

Portland, OR

“She articulated her respect for each and every one of us. And because she gave us free reign and enabled us to operate largely on our devices, we matured and grew so much more than anybody could have ever taught us.” — Amy Wang, AB’17

Ellie Rozendaal recognizes the spontaneity, intensity, and fresh hope that students bring to the world. As advisor of the school’s newspaper, Mrs. Rozendaal strives to teach her students to be creative thinkers who make their own paths and lead those around them.

Benita Albert

Benita Albert, 2013 Award Recipient

Math

Oak Ridge High School

Oak Ridge, TN

“Mrs. Albert opened the world of math to me, and I'll be forever grateful to her for that. Her level of dedication to her students is what makes her the most outstanding educator I have ever known.” — Katherine Wheeler, AB’17

Benita Albert is a lifelong math enthusiast who, after participating in a graduate fellowship, chose to devote over 45 years to spreading her passion in the classroom. Mrs. Albert encourages any and all questions, and takes pride when her students go on to use their math backgrounds in diverse fields like business, medicine, and law.

Charles Griffith

Charles Griffith, 2013 Award Recipient

History

Westminster School

Simsbury, CT

“Mr. Griffith is outstanding because he worries deeply for his country and the entire humanity. He feels for the human race, takes on the mission to make the next generation better individuals and citizens, and believes that he can do so by teaching.” — Hansong Li, AB’17

Charles Griffith lives for the “aha” moments inside the classroom. He strives to use his history class to promote critical thinking, and is guided by the notion that a liberal arts education promotes a more flexible mind and a more complete person.

Matthew Goetz

Matthew Goetz, 2015 and 2017 Award Recipient

English

Beijing National Day School

Beijing, China

“Mr. Goetz is patient and encouraging when class is difficult, and he constantly pushes our boundaries to help us be better scholars. We are encouraged to be critical consumers of culture, and to live actively and wisely.” — Xibai Wang, AB'19

Matthew Goetz is often reflective about his practice as a teacher and even goes as far as to regularly have conversations with his students about non-academic stresses in their lives. His hope is that students continue to be kind and caring people in order to make a difference in the world.

Marius Radulescu

Marius Radulescu, 2015 Award Recipient

Math

Morgan Park Academy

Chicago, IL

“A prime example of his selflessness, dedication, and caring is the time that Mr. Radulescu sacrifices from his personal life to ensure that students may continue the learning process outside of classroom hours.” — Analiese Batchelor, AB'19

Marius Radulescu is driven by the idea that it takes more to ask a good question than it does to answer it. Beyond a sensitivity for math research, Mr. Radulescu hopes his students will leave his classroom with an ability to apply math skills like logic, rigor, and imagination to everyday life.

Ellen Ferguson

Ellen Ferguson, 2015 Award Recipient

English

Montclair Kimberley Academy

Montclair, NJ

“Dr. Ferguson makes each student feel like they are the most important person in the room and never passes up an opportunity to remind each student how special and brilliant they truly are.” — Sarah Weiswasser, AB'19

Ellen Ferguson loves a little bit of healthy student skepticism, jokes about wordplay, and admitting when she doesn’t know something. In the classroom, Dr. Ferguson hopes she can help students be true to themselves while preparing them to live in the real world.

Meredith Hancock

Meredith Hancock, 2016 Award Recipient

English

International School of Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

“Mrs. Hancock is always there to lend a sympathetic ear, listening to problems great and small. We’re happy to work as much as necessary for someone we consider a near and dear friend, and the result is a class where every student excels.” — Andrus Hatem, Class of 2020

Meredith Hancock brings a wealth of experience from the Canadian public sector to her work in the classroom. Side by side with the student body, Mrs. Hancock is involved in everything from the Creative Writing Magazine to theatre productions. Wherever her students’ interests lie, she sees it has her obligation to help them uncover and develop their potential.

Dr. Azra Raiz

Dr. Azra Raiz, 2016 Award Recipient

Biology

Nixor College

Karachi, Pakistan

“In an effort to cultivate my love of learning, Dr. Riaz provided me with articles, books, and other resources for on various topics unrelated to her subject matter. She paved the way for the type of education I wanted, an ever expanding search for more knowledge, and I am eternally grateful to her.” — Ashad Qureshi, Class of 2020

Dr. Arza Raiz knows the importance of establishing connections with students. She strives to make her biology class engaging, and uses her material to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards ecosystems and people in general.

Michael Friedman

Michael Friedman, 2017 Award Recipient

Philosophy

Princeton Day School

Princeton, NJ

“Mr. Friedman is not only brilliant, but also patient and caring. If some of us didn't understand something, he would try a different approach to teaching it until each and every person understood.” — Jacob Chang, Class of 2021

For Mr. Friedman, being an educator is about figuring out where your students are and working with them to reach the next step. He considers his teaching a success when his students emerge as kind, curious, and capable thinkers.

Dr. Thaddeus Lisowski

Dr. Thaddeus Lisowski, 2017 Award Recipient

Latin

The Head-Royce School

Oakland, CA

“His real gift is in forging personal relationships with his students. Having spent four years studying with Dr. Lisowski, I consider him a teacher and mentor of the highest degree, but foremost in my mind he is a friend.” — Miles Burton, Class of 2021

Dr. Lisowski takes a student-first approach to this teaching, focusing on what the class needs to develop together. As teacher of Latin, it is infinitely rewarding when his students laugh at jokes that are 2,00 years old or are moved to sympathy by poems of Ovid and Virgil. He hopes that his coursework can helps students become more mature, open-minded thinkers.

Harriet Robinson Gowanlock

Harriet Robinson Gowanlock, 2018 Award Recipient

English

Avon High School

Avon, CT

“Mrs. Gowanlock taught me that open-mindedness was a strong opinion loosely held. But there was something else in the way she taught: an ability to understand her students, flaws and fears and all. She saw my fear of failure better than any adult in my life, and when it refused to budge, she nudged me to take chances and embrace the unknown.” – Ayushi Hegde, Class of 2022

A UChicago College alum herself, Harriet Robinson Gowanlock believes the importance of critical thinking, clear communication, and of questioning everything cannot be overstated. She is passionate about working with students to increase their skills and willingness to think on their own.

Jessica Bolz

Jessica Bolz, 2018 Award Recipient

Math

Bryn Mawr School

Baltimore, MD

"Ms. Bolz is someone who expects excellence, and is so passionate about the subject that eventually, you begin to expect that same level of excellence from yourself. When she is your teacher, you find that math is a living, breathing subject that is full of excitement. Above all, she teaches a love for knowledge and hard work that not many teachers are able to impart on their students.” –Katherine Nurminsky, Class of 2022

Jessica Bolz is amazed by her students’ positivity, determination, hard work, and cleverness. She hopes students leave her class with a deep and meaningful understanding of the content, an appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics, and an understanding that hard work and struggle is an important part of intellectual and personal growth.

Andrew Ringham

Andrew Ringham, 2018 Award Recipient

Science

American School in London

London

"Mr. Ringham manages to make every class interesting and engaging, and he turned physics from a subject that I took because I had to take a science class into something I'm genuinely interested in and excited about. His passion for teaching is amazing, and it really resonates with the class.” – Kyle Dubin, Class of 2022

Andrew Ringham traces his entry into the field of education to an outstanding educator in his own life: his high school physics teacher. He believes students reach their capacity for learning, for understanding, and for having an impact on the world if they maintain a ferocious curiosity and the agency and belief in their ability to look for meaning.

Chris Beatty

Chris Beatty, 2018 Award Recipient

English

Half Hollow Hills High School East

Dix Hills, NY

“Mr. Beatty's encouragement of discussion and debate over the assigned readings makes class so fun and interesting. He doesn't just ask someone what they think and then say whether they're right or wrong, but rather, he gets into all the little details that could change one's interpretation of the work, and that made me love literature even more.” – Elizabeth Chen, Class of 2022

Chris Beatty became a teacher to share what he knew about the world of media, as well as his love of English, with students. He encourages students to question what they are told and to challenge those opinions that don't feel right to them. The most rewarding part of his job is seeing the moment of understanding in a student.

Benny Parekkadan

Benny Parekkadan, 2018 Award Recipient

History

John P. Stevens HS

Edison, NJ

“Mr. P cares deeply about his students, always tailoring units based on our needs and concerns, and wants to make sure every one of us succeeds. I appreciate how after every big test he asks each student individually how they did in order to gauge potential areas of improvement, whether in the curriculum or examination design.” – Andrew Shen, Class of 2022

Mr. Parekkadan wanted to become a teacher because he was awed by his own journey of learning. He hopes his students walk away from his classes with strong academic skills and the ability to think independently and learn more about themselves.

Matthew Bertke

Matthew Bertke, 2019 Award Recipient

French

Glenbrook South HS

Glenview, IL

“He is an incredibly passionate educator. He went above and beyond by creating his own learning maps and units, forming an entirely new French class out of nothing to give juniors and seniors a chance to immerse themselves in French culture” – Carolyn Castroblanco, Class of 2023

Matthew Bertke is passionate about the French language and thinking about what it means to be a good communicator. He loves working with his students to help them become more confident and hopes to teach them that there is something to learn from every interaction we have.

Ryan Welborn

Ryan Welborn, 2019 Award Recipient

History/Social Studies

The International School Nido de Aguilas

Santiago, Chile

“It does not matter if you’re his student or not, nor if you know him or not because Mr. Welborn will listen and do whatever is in his power to aid the situation. He isn’t just an outstanding educator, but an outstanding person.” – Maria Isabel Alvarez, Class of 2023

Ryan Welborn was inspired by his own teachers to enter the field of education. He says that the most rewarding part of his job is when he is challenged to shift his perspective by his students. As a history teacher, he hopes to remind them that the story of humanity is of individuals who were just like us.

Libby Powell

Libby Powell, 2019 Award Recipient

English

Shenandoah HS

Middletown, IN

“Not only does she care about her students’ academic success in her class, but she also cares about her students’ well-being. If she sees that a student is upset or stressed, she will ask them what is wrong and try to help in any way that she can.” – Carly Allen, Class of 2023

Libby Powell followed in her mother’s footsteps to become a teacher, hoping to have a positive impact on the children of her community. She loves instilling a love of reading in her students and hopes to teach her students to be perseverant in the face of challenges and to be willing to learn from their mistakes.

Dr. Hongyan Li

Dr. Hongyan Li, 2020 Award Recipient

Forensic Science and Medical Microbiology

Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions

Houston, TX

“Dr. Li was incredibly helpful in my AP research journey. She believed in me and encouraged me to continue pursuing my project despite the hardships of collecting data. Her faith in me pushed me to work my hardest and I ended up producing work that I'm very proud of.” – Neeharika Venuturupalli, Class of 2024

Dr. Li worked as a researcher for many years, with 14 of her publications appearing in peer-reviewed journals, before becoming a teacher. She says that the most rewarding part of her job is the new stories and challenges she encounters daily. She wants to help her students grow by instilling confidence in them and encouraging them to persist in all of their efforts.

Kabby Hong

Kabby Hong, 2020 Award Recipient

English

Verona Area High School

Verona, WI

“Mr. Hong pushed every student he had to expand their minds and think differently. He prodded, cajoled, and did whatever else was necessary to get me to achieve more than I thought I was capable of. To me, that is the hallmark of any great educator.” – Alina Yazek, Class of 2024

Mr. Hong chose to pursue teaching because he wanted to combine his love of English with his desire to make a difference in the world. He says that the best part of his job is receiving notes from his students expressing their gratitude for his teaching and the impact he has had on their lives. He hopes to be able to help his students find their voice both in his classroom and beyond.

Larissa Lapaire-Adumekwe

Larissa Lapaire-Adumekwe, 2020 Award Recipient

French, Spanish, and Portuguese

St. Paul’s School

London, England

“Mrs. Lapaire-Adumekwe is a kind and compassionate person. She makes me feel confident and accepted and like what I have to say is of value and important. I knew that she was always looking out for me and would always have my best interests at heart.”– Themis Frigo, Class of 2024

Mrs. Lapaire-Adumekwe attended multilingual schools and picked up fluency in several languages growing up, inspiring her to become a language teacher. The most rewarding part of her job is seeing her students’ progress. She hopes to pass on her love for languages to her students and teach them how to communicate effectively with others.

Melissa Souers

Melissa Souers, 2020 Award Recipient

Theater

Piedra Vista High School

Farmington, NM

“Mrs. Souers is able to teach her students lessons both inside and outside of the classroom. She believed in me since the very start, even when I didn't believe in myself. When I found out about my acceptance to UChicago, she was the first person to jump up and down and tell me how excited she was.” – Taiz Rodriguez, Class of 2024

Mrs. Souers loves sharing her appreciation of theater with her students. The most rewarding part of her job is fostering a family in her classes and helping her students blossom into their best selves. She wants to help her students learn to stay true to themselves and become kind and compassionate individuals.

Tamer AlMassadeh

Tamer AlMassadeh, 2020 Award Recipient

Mathematics

Amman Academy

Amman, Jordan

“Mr. Tamer’s relationship with us students went beyond the classroom. Throughout the past two years, I have noticed how he maintains friendships with his previous students after graduation, which attests to his desire to not only be a teacher, but also a mentor and friend.” – Issa Almadani, Class of 2024

Mr. AlMassadeh discovered a love for teaching after volunteering to give computer literacy and IT lessons to refugees. He says the most rewarding part of his job is the appreciation students show for the impact he has left on their lives. He wants to teach his students that they can accomplish anything through hard work.

Jim Aveni

Jim Aveni, 2020 Award Recipient

Music

Ensworth School

Nashville, TN

“Through Mr. Aveni, my peers and I have gained confidence in our abilities and humility in all that we have yet to learn, and we are especially grateful for the extra miles he goes. He was with me from the beginning to my college journey to the current day. I wouldn't be half the musician, student, or person I am without him.” -Jordan Yi, Class of 2024

Mr. Aveni oversees a wide range of programs including Music, Theatre, Dance, Studio Art, Photography, and Ceramics. Being an educator allows him to watch as students grow, evolve, and become who they are as individuals. He tries to help students experience the creative possibilities in their lives and motivate them to create their own voices.

Patricia Bourgeault

Patricia Bourgeault, 2020 Award Recipient

Advanced Mathematics

Falmouth High School

Falmouth, MA

“Ms. B’s extent of knowledge and intelligence is rarely seen among high school teachers. She is always cheerful, and she’s not afraid to make class entertaining and interesting. Her laughter, which is always the loudest, is contagious and brightens everyone’s mood.” -Lawrence Tang, Class of 2024

The most rewarding part of teaching for Ms. Bourgeault is watching students learn and understand concepts that seem foreign. She wants her students to understand that not everything is easy, but perseverance is a critical skill. She hopes her students learn to never give up and to always seek a deeper understanding.

Carrie Poehlein

Carrie Poehlein, 2020 Award Recipient

Associate Director of College Counseling

Park Tudor School

Indianapolis, IN

“Without Mrs. Poehlein, I would have been completely lost during the college application process. She was incredibly helpful with the essay writing process and was always supportive of my ideas. I would like to thank her for her unwavering support.” -Nermeen Rahman, Class of 2024

Mrs. Poehlein has always been passionate about the opportunities afforded to students through education. She helps students recognize their academic and professional dreams, and gives them the confidence they need to pursue them, a privilege she does not take lightly. She feels honored to walk alongside them in the process.

Joshua Fialkow

Joshua Fialkow, 2020 Award Recipient

AP Economics and Social Science Research

Bronx High School of Science

New York City, NY

"Mr. Fialkow encouraged me to believe in myself and reminded me that there are better reasons to pursue knowledge than recognition. Maybe most importantly, he reminded me that there’s never any harm in giving anything another shot." -Emma-Victoria Banos, Class of 2024 (Mr. Fialkow was also nomianted by Meridith Mok and Syed Wahid, both members of the Class of 2024.)

For Joshua Fialkow, a lifelong love of the classroom made teaching a natural career choice. Beyond it simply being “a lot of fun,” Mr. Fialkow finds further fulfillment in molding a new generation of engaged and excited learners. He hopes to encourage his students to pursue challenging questions and to get excited about the additional questions that pursuit generates.

Janet Torres

Janet Torres, 2020 Award Recipient

Spanish

Northside College Preparatory High School

Chicago, IL

“Señora Torres is always there for her students. She has shown me the value of learning a new language and the immense opportunities it can bring to my life. Her encouragement gave me the strength to excel in all of my classes for all four years." -Jack Vasilopoulos, Class of 2024

Janet Torres loves to see her students who start out with little or no experience with Spanish come to be able to hold full conversations and write essays. As a World Languages teacher, she aims to broaden her students’ perspectives and help them appreciate languages and cultures other than their own. She hopes to encourage her students to be independently aware of the needs of others and their environments.

Peter Carriero

Peter Carriero, 2020 Award Recipient

Advanced Algebra

Chaminade High School

Mineola, NY

"Mr. Carriero cares about his students, wants them to learn, and creates awesome side banter to keep class interesting. He’s easily the nicest and most relatable teacher I had the privilege of getting to know while at Chaminade." -Aiden Cappellino, Class of 2024

Peter Carriero entered education in 2012, in search of personal connections and meaningful engagement. For Mr. Carriero, there’s no more rewarding part of teaching than watching a student understand a previously mysterious concept. His goal is for every student to leave his class more confident in their mathematical abilities than when they entered.

Abhishek Kumar

Abhishek Kumar, 2020 Award Recipient

Business Management

Hiram Bingham School

Santiago De Surco, Lima, Peru

"Mr. Kumar is not only an expert on his topic but also a dedicated and caring mentor for each and every person who is lucky enough to take his class. He showed me that I was stronger than I thought I was and made me believe in my capabilities amid a series of incredible challenges. Mr. Kumar is an outstanding educator because he helped me dig myself out of a hole even before I realized I had been in one." -Illairy Humala, Class of 2024

Abhishek Kumar is a devoted educator, committed to helping his students develop holistic decision-making skills and thoughtful mindsets. Above all else, he aims to help his pupils become meaningful contributors to the world and conscientious global citizens.

LuAnn Wright

LuAnn Wright, 2020 Award Recipient

English Language Arts

Riverside High School

Belle, West Virginia

"Ms. Wright’s classes are always thoughtfully planned and provide a space in which all students can have their voices heard and their perspectives constructively engaged. Her excellent classroom teaching and kind spirit has made her presence at Riverside incredibly valuable." -Hanna Ho, Class of 2024

From a young age, LuAnn Wright felt called to be a teacher. Now, as an English Language Arts teacher, she spends every day helping her students grow as thinkers and communicators. Thanks to the safe and engaging environment she creates, Ms. Wright’s students emerge from her class as more effective and confident members of their intellectual communities.

Didem Veyisoğlu

Didem Veyisoğlu, 2020 Award Recipient

Principal

German High School of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

"Mrs. Veyisoğlu not only helped me fight the obstacles along the way, but also made my academic journey joyful and exciting. Had Mrs. Veyisoğlu not guided me throughout this process, I wouldn't have turned my opportunities into a pivotal stage of growth" -Can Nalbant, Class of 2024

Mrs. Veyisoğlu feels that teaching is a rare job, in which one can teach young people academic and personal lessons. The most rewarding part of her position is seeing how her students grow into successful individuals. She believes that behind every successful individual there is a great teacher.

Rachel Bergstein

Rachel Bergstein, 2020 Award Recipient

Jewish History and American History

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

Rockville, Maryland

“Ms. Bergstein somehow distilled complicated concepts into obvious ideas, all the while ensuring that her students were having fun. She shaped my high school experience and my worldview. At the same time, I've never had more fun learning anything than in her classes.” –Matthew Wieseltier, Class of 2024

Rachel Bergstein entered the field of education because she loves interacting with students and helping them understand the world more deeply. She loves being able to spark a personal pursuit or passion, and she wants to encourage all of her students to be curious and passionate leaders who explore the interconnected nature of the world.