The principal, Kristin Smetana, of Riverside Brookfield High School announced that Sandy Czajka is a recipient of the prestigious National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing Educator Award. She is the 2017 award winner for NCWIT, making her one of only 70 educators across the country to receive this award. The Aspirations in Computing Educator Award identifies outstanding educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging young women to explore their interest in computing and technology, and recognizes these educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing.
Additionally, Michele Koehler was named the Outstanding Biology Teacher of Illinois for the 2016-17 school year by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). The NABT stated that her dedication to her students, school, and community are exemplary. One reason Michele was selected for the award is because she continues to share her knowledge with others and learn and grow as an educator herself. She is abreast on the cutting edge technology and her classes are student centered and inquiry based. Michele will be recognized at the NABT convention's Honors Luncheon on Saturday, November 11, at 12:00 pm.
Kristin Smetana stated, “Riverside Brookfield High School is very fortunate to have these two outstanding teachers among our dedicated faculty and staff. Both Michele and Sandy have dedicated many hours to staying abreast of new trends in their field and collaborating with professionals throughout the nation. Students in their classrooms benefit from their knowledge and passion for the content, along with their student-centered instructional methods.”