Schools

N.E.W. 200 Foundation Honors Three Distinguished Teachers

Distinguished Teacher Awards recognize teachers in District 200 who go above and beyond the call of duty for their students.

The N.E.W. 200 Foundation, a nonprofit that works on funding and initiatives for District 200 students and teachers, on Wednesday honored three District 200 teachers with its annual Distinguished Teacher Awards.

This year, organization honored Deanna Bero, a second grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School; Heidi Galassi, a seventh grade math teacher at Edison Middle School; and Jon Nowortya, a music teacher and marching band coach at Wheaton North High School. 

Students and parents of students who are currently enrolled in District 200 schools submit nominations for teachers they believe have gone above and beyond the “call of duty,” according to a news release from District 200.

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Deanna Bero was nominated by several families. According to the release, one mom loves how Bero has helped her “shy” daughter and says, “My daughter is often shy to respond to questions, but Deanna has built her confidence and now she willingly raises her hand and participates in the class discussion. She encourages students to push themselves which builds confident learners.”

Heidi Galassi, who teaches all levels of seventh grade math and can often be found after school attending all of the school’s sporting events, was nominated by her principal, Rachel Bednar. Bednar says Galassi, “does an outstanding job in each class, regardless of the students' ability level.”  

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Several students nominated Jon Nowortya for the award. Students say Nowortya is special because he teaches them to not only appreciate music, but the importance of having good character.

One student said, “He confidently tells us there is no reason our band shouldn't play at Carnegie Hall or a national music festival. It's his belief that no matter where you go or what you do, you will always represent the WN bands with exceptional character and respect.” 

The teachers were honored with a plaque and a gift check.

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