Meet WGN and SXU's Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to Michael Rossi of Neuqua Valley High School in suburban Naperville, who is April's Teacher of the Month. In honor of his achievements, Rossi received a $1,000 check from Saint Xavier University.
Rossi likens his classroom to a construction zone. He says: "The noise is the sound of kids discussing, and debating, and going back and forth. The noise is the noise of any construction site where things are being built. It's just people working together to build something together."
Student Tyler Patterson says that Rossi has the three things that make an "incredible" teacher: "He is able to connect with students. He really cares about what he does. And he really knows his stuff." Melanie Gooder, another student, says Rossi "doesn't just teach English. He has us get involved with it and really dissect it and analyze the books we're reading."
Rossi connects with his students and helps them connect with the material. Graduating senior, Kelly Swaney nominated Rossi because "he is an awesome writer. And that shows through his teaching, because he is really funny and creative." While teaching Philosophy and English Literature, coaching the freshman cross-country team and directing the annual monologue show, Rossi's rallying cry throughout is, "Let's make it happen!"
Rossi says that he loves his job. It's all about helping his students "become the people the people they want to be."
If you are currently a student age 13 or older in the Chicagoland area, please visit the Contest Page on WGN's website to nominate a teacher whom you feel makes a difference at your school or in your community.
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