Glenbard South Teacher an Illinois Teacher of the Year Finalist

A teacher is in the running for the 2012-13 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

Robert Lang, who teaches physics and engineering technology at Glenbard South, was one of nine finalists for the honor, announced on Monday.

"I'm very honored and excited about being named a finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year," Lang said in a statement Tuesday morning. "If chosen as the Teacher of the Year, I hope to expand my service to the citizens of Illinois to help our educational system meet the challenges of this century. Our major employers are telling us they will need employees better educated in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in the next decade. I hope to facilitate conversations between schools, communities and legislators to meet these challenges."

Teachers from across Illinois were nominated for the honor and this year there were 201 teachers considered. A committee comprised of school administrators, teachers and representatives from educational service personnel, student support personnel and prior award recipients reviewed the nominations, according to District 87.

Nominees for the Teacher of the Year are scored based on a variety of criteria including: personal background information, the nominating recommendation and letters of support from colleagues, parents and students. Nominees also answers questions that focus on student success, collaboration, continuous learning and leadership, according to the district. Teachers who earn an Award of Excellence are finalists for Illinois Teacher of the Year.

The announcement of the 2012-13 Illinois Teacher of the Year will be made during the “Those Who Excel” banquet being held on Oct. 20 in Normal. The Teacher of the Year will represent Illinois at NASA Space Camp in Alabama and in the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year Program.

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