Meet WGN and SXU's Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to Susan Steinmiller of Gage Park High School, who is March's Teacher of the Month. In honor of her achievements, Steinmiller received a $1,000 check for school supplies from Saint Xavier University.
Steinmiller is a history teacher to high school teens, and she has been teaching for 19 years. The devoted teacher drives 100 miles daily from Rockford to Gage Park High School on Chicago's southside, and is available to her students until 6 p.m. on some days.
She says her commitment to each student never wavers and that she's determined to make a difference in their lives, "so they can make differences in other people's lives." She also says the formula for success is simple: raise expectations and with guidance and support, students will meet the challenge.
"I think she's a very special teacher because she really cares about us," said one student at Gage Park High.
Another student, Isabelle, said, "She gives me a sense of hope... She believes in us in so many ways. She just makes you feel as if you she knows you can do it and success on your own." Isabelle is the third member of her family to have Steinmiller as a teacher. She nominated Steinmiller for the Teacher of the Month honor.
One test of Steinmiller's commitments to turning out students who will be successful in life is her leadership role in AVID. AVID is a nationwide program for students who are capable of completing a rigorous curriculum but without intervention fall short of their potential.
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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