Schools
Meg Van Dyke Named District 58 Teacher of the Year
Van Dyke, a science teacher at O'Neill Middle School, was honored May 3 during the Downers Grove Elementary Education Association's annual retirement dinner.
The following article was submitted by Downers Grove Grade School District 58:
On May 3 at its annual retirement dinner for staff, the Downers Grove Elementary Education Association recognized O'Neill Middle School science teacher Meg Van Dyke as its 2013 Teacher of the Year.
Van Dyke, who holds a doctorate in educational technology, was praised for her dedication, passion and commitment to science education and inspiring her students. She has written numerous grants to purchase items for her department, formed student groups to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-related competitions and challenges, and organizes an Energy Day at the school each fall and a Chemistry Day each spring.
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She also sponsors the student council, and even had her head shaved at the St. Baldrick’s event at Downers Grove South in March to reward them for surpassing their fundraising goal for the organization.
“I love instilling a love of science in young people, whether that is in my classroom, working with my engineering students, or with my Energy Kids who teach fourth graders about types of energy and energy conservation,” Van Dyke said.
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Van Dyke said she loves seeing the surprise and excitement when unexpected things happen during laboratory sessions or special events—such as blowing things up, or lighting students’ hands on fire during Chemistry Day -- and laughing with her students every single day.
Other nominees for this year's DGEEA Teacher of the Year award were O'Neill band teacher Glen Sorgatz, Puffer/Whittier P.E. teacher Jeanne Smith, O'Neill language arts teacher Beverly West, O'Neill language arts/reading teacher Nicole Ferroli, Indian Trail third grade teacher Nancy Schneider, Indian Trail sixth grade teacher Janice Conboy, Whittier/Highland/Hillcrest art teacher Jon Belonio and Lester resource teacher Kimberly Fisher.
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