Introduction to Excellence in Teaching
Victor Gómez thought it was strange when he was asked to escort his students to the band room on Wednesday. There was supposedly an issue with the pipes in his classroom at East Leyden High School in the northwest suburb of Franklin Park. But Gómez, 31, didn’t expect the band room to be filled with his family, state education leaders and a mariachi band, who were there to congratulate him on being named teacher of the year by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Honoring Outstanding Educators
Gómez is one of several Chicago-area educators being honored this week as the school year comes to a close. In addition to the Teacher of the Year honor, the Golden Apple Awards are being handed out to 11 Illinois high school educators. The annual Golden Apple Awards recognize teaching excellence with $5,000 and a spring sabbatical at Northwestern University. The Golden Apple Foundation also honors two school leaders.
Teacher of the Year: Victor Gómez
Gómez, a chemistry teacher, was recognized by the state board of education for helping East Leyden High School launch its first bilingual program and its first bilingual chemistry course. He also mentors aspiring bilingual educators. Gómez said he was inspired to pursue a career in science by his father, also named Victor Gómez , who emigrated from Michoacan, Mexico, to the Chicago area at the age of 10.
Impact on Students
Gómez said his father struggled to get into science, technology, engineering and math as a teen due to the language barrier he faced, “but through that struggle in his adult years, he was able to become an engineer, which really inspired me, not only to pursue a career in STEM but to make sure that we open up those pathways for our students.” Gómez also helped found East Leyden’s mariachi band to give bilingual students a space to express themselves through music. At the awards ceremony, Jesus Osuna, one of Gómez’s former students, said the music his teacher played in class helped him feel like he belonged on his first day at East Leyden.
Golden Apple Award Winner: Nicholas Anaya
Meanwhile, at Lindblom Math and Science Academy in Chicago’s West Englewood neighborhood, engineering and robotics teacher Nicholas Anaya was recognized with a coveted Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching and leadership. Junior Sylvia Olivo said she isn’t planning to head into engineering when she graduates next year, but the skills Anaya taught her have given her the confidence to pursue whatever she wants.
Conclusion
The recognition of these outstanding educators highlights the importance of dedicated and passionate teachers in shaping the minds of future generations. Their commitment to excellence in teaching and leadership serves as an inspiration to students, colleagues, and the broader community.
FAQs
Q: Who was named Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education?
A: Victor Gómez, a chemistry teacher at East Leyden High School, was named Teacher of the Year.
Q: What award did Nicholas Anaya receive?
A: Nicholas Anaya, an engineering and robotics teacher at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, received a Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching and leadership.
Q: What is the Golden Apple Award?
A: The Golden Apple Award recognizes teaching excellence with $5,000 and a spring sabbatical at Northwestern University.
Q: How many Illinois high school educators received Golden Apple Awards?
A: 11 Illinois high school educators received Golden Apple Awards.
