(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Lake View teacher is among the best of the best in the state.
Rachel Werderits is one of this year's recipients of the Golden Apple Award, which recognizes excellence in teaching.
The Saint Andrew School teacher says she always wanted to be a teacher, and it's the most rewarding career.
"Seeing students learn and developing learners who just love education and want to know more and see the connections to what we cover in class in their real lives, that is what motivates me to keep going," she says.
Werderits, who has taught at Saint Andrew for 14 years, says some of the most important lessons don't come from books.
"My number one goal in my classroom is to make [students] feel loved and respected and worthy and like they have dignity."
In addition to the award, Werderits is also getting $5,000 in cash and a free spring sabbatical at Northwestern University. She is one of 10 teacher award recipients in Illinois and the only one from a Catholic school, Saint Andrew School said.
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram






