Joliet West High School English teacher Janice Sheehan has earned the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award.
Each year, the University of Chicago provides incoming freshman students with the opportunity to nominate a past educator who has changed them, challenged them, or helped them in some way along their path toward intellectual growth. This year, University of Chicago student and Joliet West High School alumnus, Cesar Guerrero, nominated Sheehan as a teacher that had an impact on his academic career.
Sheehan says the award means a great deal to her because it comes directly from a former student who thought she deserved to be considered as an outstanding educator.
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“I am truly honored that Cesar took the time to nominate me for this award. I work daily with outstanding students, and it is gratifying to know that one of them feels the same way about me,” said Sheehan. “Joliet West is a wonderful place to create and learn. My administrators, peers, and students all inspire me to think outside the box and find innovative approaches to literature and literacy. I cannot imagine a better work environment, and sincerely believe that without the support of everyone, but especially my students, I would not be able to grow as a teacher and as a person.”
The Outstanding Educator Award has existed for more than three decades at the University of Chicago. Each year they receive hundreds of nominations for the award, and teachers receive a certificate of recognition and a small trophy.
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Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid James Nondorf congratulated Sheehan for receiving the honor. “We are dedicated to excellence in teaching, such as yours, and we know that true learning is a collaborative experience which depends as much on the dedication of the teacher as it does on the motivation of the student. Thank you for your commitment to this endeavor,” said Nondorf.
“This award is amazing, but not nearly as amazing as the student that nominated me for it,” said Sheehan.
