During the Teachers’ Appreciation Breakfast on the morning of Tuesday May 5th, chemistry teacher and tennis coach Andrew Klamm received the prestigious award of Teacher of the Year.

Despite only being a teacher in District 219 for five years, this being his second year at Niles North, Klamm’s impact on the students and Niles North community is profound. Klamm teaches both regular and Advanced Placement chemistry. He also coaches boys’ varsity tennis, as well as girls’ junior varsity tennis. Klamm’s enthusiasm and passion toward teaching are highly contagious, and create an energetic atmosphere that fully engages his students.

“What stuck out was the fact that all of the students were very motivated, engaged, and every single one of the students was confident with the material,” said the TOTY committee.

Senior Christina Curtis witnesses Klamm’s commitment to teaching every day.

“His unending dedication, positive attitude, and determination to make sure all of his students comprehend and enjoy the material is remarkable and worth calling attention to,” said Curtis.

When he is not coaching tennis, Klamm can almost always be found in room 2305 helping students, preparing materials for class, or just giving students a space to work.  He comes to school before six in the morning and seldom leaves before six at night — spending each moment working to ultimately benefit the Niles North community.

When asked why he chose to pursue a career as a chemistry teacher, Klamm said that he wanted to help others have the same positive experiences with chemistry that he had.

Klamm’s success in sharing his love for chemistry is felt by his students.  “He actually explains the material and makes class much more enjoyable with fun demonstrations, making chemistry appealing to students,” said junior Alma Jukic

“He has that perfect balance of being able to tell all the information and to have that fun and interactive piece,” said the TOTY committee.

Klamm’s impact on his students extends beyond chemistry.  Not only is he someone students can approach for help with chemistry, but also someone they can talk to about anything.  “He’s not only a mentor and teacher, but a friend who listens and advises,” said senior Samar Ashrafi.

On Tuesday May 12, Klamm will deliver his teacher of the Year speech at the 50th Annual Awards of Distinction.

(Portion above written by: Miriam Blunenthal) 

The Niles North community would also like to congratulate Mrs. Terri Eiseman for being recognized with the school’s Support Staff of the Year award. Eiseman also received this award on the morning of the Teachers’ Appreciation Breakfast on Tuesday, May 5.

Eiseman is known as Niles North’s Executive Secretary for the Special Education Department. Having worked for Niles North for 12 years and nearing her retirement, Eiseman was most surprised for receiving this kind of recognition. She explains how she believes she received this award.

“In every one of my positions, I have personally excelled,” said Eiseman. “I helped keep the department flowing nicely. To be a lot more staight forward, I’ve kept good relationships with. And also,  I’d like to keep myself mentally and physically busy at all times and keep things running,” said Eiseman.

Eiseman also mentioned the passion she has for her job. She felt that her purpose in life became a lot more important to her because she was able to make a significant connection for the one’s she worked for: the special student’s of Niles North.