Teacher Appreciation Week on the first Monday through Friday in May honoring those who have dedicated their lives to education. Teachers provide students with the tools and resources they will build upon for the rest of their lives. Not only do they educate, but they also serve as mentors and guide our youth, too.
We asked the community to tell us about their favorite teacher. Today's we're featuring our High School educators.
Auburn High School
Christopher Galetsis
“Because we both love to talk about history and play chess.”
— Submitted by Nicholas Metlow
Stephanie Romero
“Stephanie is the living example of what it means to find your passion and nurture the next generation. She is living in her full circle moment teaching in the same classroom that sparked her creative fire and since then, has refused to let it be smoldered out. I am proud to call her a friend, a mentor, a role model, and a leader not just for me, but for all the children who come across her classroom and knowledge.”
— Submitted by Ahlexus Alexander
Coleen Rowley
“She is the best special ed teacher. She helped me graduate and she was a wonderful teacher. She helped me out with my schoolwork. Thanks, Colleen Rowley.”
— Submitted by Brian Andrew
East High School
Alexandra Baxter
“Always friendly and lovely with her classmates.”
— Submitted by Gabriel Carreno
Janiece Gehrke
“Ms. G. goes above and beyond for her students. It’s not just academics and test scores. She wants them to feel valued and accepted.”
— Submitted by Michele Gutzmer
Brittany Glidden
“I graduated in 2023, and throughout my 4 years at East, Mrs. Glidden always uplifted myself and other students. She supported my pursuits outside of school and never hesitated to build me up. Academically, she always helped me out to ensure I graduated, whether it was math, science, history, or English. She never failed us. I stand behind my reasoning Mrs. Glidden might be the sole reason besides my family that I graduated. And to this day, I still am pursuing my same dream outside of my high school life, and Mrs. Glidden still shows support. She will forever be one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever met.”
— Submitted by Karsen Schrock
Guilford High School
Mark Anderson
“He has been a great teacher to my son and again he showed true concern towards my son Joe after his bad car accident. We appreciate Mr. Anderson.”
— Submitted by Anna Galluzzo
Amy Avery
“She always pays the most attention to struggling kids and has a fun time teaching.”
— Submitted by Sha’lyah Hudson
Jeffrey Barabasz
“I want to thank my teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week because they work hard to help me learn, encourage me to do my best, and make school a positive and inspiring place. Their support and dedication really make a difference in my life.”
— Submitted by Jose Abrego
Dana Burkhardt
“This teacher is my student council advisor and I greatly appreciate everything she does to support me. She is the reason our student council has a name and a place in the Illinois Association of Student Councils!”
— Submitted by Mason Tate
Ryan Callahan
“He has been helpful and great to my son. Even though my son did get in a little trouble in his class, he still goes above and beyond for not only my son but all his students.”
— Submitted by Anna Galluzzo
Susan Callaway
“My son Joe was in a really bad car accident this past Sunday and she showed true concern to my son. She has also been an amazing teacher to him as well.”
— Submitted by Anna Galluzzo
Anthony Capriotti
“He is my daughter Brianna’s teacher and he is my son Joe’s head football coach. He has truly been one of the best teachers and coaches I’ve ever met. We appreciate you, coach. Thank you for everything.”
— Submitted by Anna Galluzzo
Jenna Christ
“This teacher is new to GHS and she has made a big impact already! I’m so glad to have her at my school and also as my student council advisor!”
— Submitted by Mason Tate
Megan Droy
“Ms. Droy has had my son in her class for a few years. She has gone above and beyond for Joe and she, like the other teachers, showed true concern for Joe after his bad car accident. We appreciate Ms. Droy.”
— Submitted by Anna Galluzzo
Tes Hastings
“Very understanding and respectful teacher and she is very kind and funny.”
— Submitted by Morgan Race
“She showed true concern after my son was in a bad car accident. She has been such a great teacher to my son, seriously.”
— Submitted by Anna Galluzzo
“Not only has she been amazing to my son Joe but all of her students, and she showed me and Joe true concern for his well-being after his bad car accident. Even after Joe got in a little trouble in her class, she didn’t hold it against him and literally showed concern for my son after I emailed her letting her know why Joe was going to be absent a few days. She seriously deserves the credit. Please choose her because of empathy for my son. We truly appreciate her, so please RPS 205 choose her and this story. Thank you.”
— Submitted by Anna Galluzzo
Brooke Imbach
“This teacher is the librarian and my student council advisor. I greatly appreciate all of her support and dedication to make students at GHS better leaders!”
— Submitted by Mason Tate
Jo Lazzerini
“She understands me. She helps students out, makes sure people get the notes they need. If someone needs to set something in her room, she’s always okay with it. That’s why I thank her.”
— Submitted by Brooklyn Howard
Nicole Poffinbarger
“She is the production office secretary. She too showed true concern for my son Joe P. after his bad car accident. She has been amazing to both me and Joe. Thank you, Nicole, we appreciate you.”
— Submitted by Anna Galluzzo
Jennifer Renfro
“She is a good person and is understanding. She keeps kids accountable in a nice way. She let me leave the class when I needed to cry and didn’t ask questions. I really needed that and that small act meant a lot.”
— Submitted by Cecelia Graves
Michael Selover
“His teaching style includes all students and the way he teaches math makes it feel easy.”
— Submitted by Emmanuel Brown
Annemarie Smith
“She has made me really like math again!”
— Submitted by Vivienne Graves
Michelle Tucker
“She is my son Joe’s driving instructor. She went out of her way to help me and Joe with his drive calendar so he wouldn’t miss. She has been great and we appreciate her.”
— Submitted by Anna Galluzzo
Jefferson High School
Amanda Ellis (pictured above)
“Thank you for making me feel so welcome with Theatre Ms. Ellis! I truly am so thankful for the fact that I did fail my sports physical because if it wasn’t for that, I would’ve never found my place! I’ve never felt like I really belonged until I joined theatre. It has helped me in so many ways. So again, thank you!”
— Submitted by Mason Freeman
Erin Eurek
“Thank you for not giving up on my son. Even though he doesn’t say it or thank you, I know you are making a difference in his life.”
— Submitted by Sandra Murillo
Carl Holman
“He has helped me and my son with the everyday tasks and is very attentive with our needs. He takes the time to answer all my questions. I can’t thank him enough for being an awesome teacher.”
— Submitted by Sandra Murillo
Jenna Lange
“Jenna Lange is always there for her students when they need it most. Not only is she a great teacher, she is also a great human being. She does everything she can for her students to ensure them the best!”
— Submitted by Emily Wilson
Peter Verona
“Thank you for not giving up on my son. You are an awesome teacher and even though he might not tell you, I know you are making a difference in his life.”
— Submitted by Sandra Murillo
Alexander West
“One of my favorite teachers is Alexander West. They always make class feel welcoming and positive. I appreciate how patient and understanding they are with students, and how they take the time to make sure everyone understands the lesson. They truly care about their students, not only about our grades but also about how we are doing as people. Because of them, class feels like a place where we can learn, ask questions, and feel supported. Thank you for all the hard work, dedication, and kindness you bring every day. Teachers like you make a big difference in students’ lives, and I’m really grateful to have you as my teacher.”
— Submitted by Lizeth Reyes
Brianna White
“Thank you Ms. White! Thank you for being an amazing biology teacher in my freshman year, and then making me feel welcome in theatre! I truly feel like I belong with theatre. Met so many new friends, and to be clear, you were my favorite teacher freshman year! So the fact that I get to (technically) be taught by you again is amazing! Thank you, Ms. White!”
— Submitted by Mason Freeman