Every year, three teachers are awarded the “Teachers Make a Difference Award.” Students have the opportunity to nominate their favorite teacher or staff member. 

“When I received the award I was shocked and stunned,” Linda Maves, winner of last years’ Teachers Make a Difference Award, said. “It was very humbling and so sweet. It really made me smile.”

Many teachers have a passion for teaching that go past just the curriculum they are teaching, Maves said.

“I think as teachers, we all go into teaching because we love to teach,” Maves said. “We love the satisfaction and helping others learn more and if you just show that throughout the years, people start to notice and appreciate it.”

No matter if the teacher wins the award or not, they will still receive every nomination written for them. This way all teachers get to feel special regardless of if they won, Sricharmorn said.

“This award really lets a teacher know they’re doing a good job,”  Emily Sricharmorn, assistant to the communications department, said. “This is a good way to let teachers know you appreciate them for their hard work.”

Students can make the nomination letters any length they want. It’s best if they give specific examples of how the teacher showcases qualities of meeting and going above and beyond the District 95 mission, Sricharmorn said.

No matter if the teacher wins the award or not, the letters submitted in their name will be given to them. According to Sricharmorn, this way all teachers get to feel special.