On Thursday, May 10, English teacher, yearbook (SAGA) sponsor and soon-to-be mother Renee Scott was officially dubbed the 2012 Niles North Teacher of the Year. Making it past numerous rounds after Student Government committee reviews and surpassing several other outstanding teachers, Scott herself was ecstatic about receiving the annual honor.

“I was aware that I was a finalist but I didn’t think I would have actually won,” Scott said while having her picture taken.

This year, nominations were completed and collected from the student body via an online survey where students stated the teachers they were nominating and why they deserved the award. Once the nominations were compiled, an elected group of students put together a form for evaluating candidates for the position.

Judging criteria included student attitudes towards the teacher in general, the teacher’s classroom setting, methods of inspiring students, amount of assistance provided to students and the number of nominations received. After the list of  qualified teachers had been narrowed down and the teachers were bobserved in their classroom setting, Scott remained standing as the victor, gaining the prestigious title of Teacher of the Year.

“She is a phenomenal teacher who puts a lot of effort to make sure that all students are heard, respected, and involved in her productive, yet lighthearted class environment,” senior Jourj Baghdisar, Teacher of the Year appointment committee member, said. “Scott is very enthusiastic and it was easy to notice that her students take from her spirit and reciprocate that passion about the subject.”

Senior Vanessa Cadavillo agreed wholeheartedly about her teacher and sponsor of multiple years.

“Her teaching techniques have stood out to not only me, but to my peers as well,” Cadavillo said. “She motivates her students to do well but also to exceed and go beyond their expectations. She puts forth a great amount of effort to make sure her students take something away from having her as teacher.”

Scott is a highly valued member of the Niles North community, clearly reflected by her recognition as 2012 Teacher of the Year.

NOTE: AYANA JAMAL CONTRIBUTED THIS ARTICLE TO THE PRINT ISSUE OF NORTH STAR FOR MAY 25, 2012

PHOTO BY ETHAN BROWN