A new month means new teachers received awards for being the Teacher of the Month. February’s and March’s teachers of the month include Brenda King, Steve Schmid, Erling Antony, and Kathy Kopp. Each of them received an award for going above and beyond for makers our school a place of excellence and pride.

King has been teaching for a total of 13 years. She teaches Food and Nutrition, Culinary, Developing Relations, Health Occupations, and Human Relations.

“I really try to find ways to connect class materials to real world experiences through simulations and world concepts. I also like to use visuals, hand on activities, games, energizers and student exploration. I need to get better about online activities, though,” says King.

King is also the coordinator for the Health Youth Apprenticeship and ProStart Programs.

King says, “I believe it helps because both programs offer great experiences for students in their pursuit of future careers. Students experience a lot in these programs, and I enjoy being able to help support them (and their families) in a variety of situations.”

King also has assisted in coaching the Forensics team, and she now judges them.

Erling Antony has been teaching for 39 years total; 27 of those years were at Arrowhead. He has taught at six schools in total in Illinois, Virginia, and Wisconsin. He teaches General and Honors Chemistry, as well as some Independent Study Chemistry. He’s also a sponsor of the newly founded Chemistry Club, which has not yet sought official recognition.

“I still relate pretty well to teens.  I provide them with challenges which are attainable and try to get them to think beyond the Google level, that is, not just what is the answer but why is that the answer.  What fundamental principle leads to the observed effect.  I think most individuals unconsciously desire such an understanding although too few are willing to pay the price (quiet contemplation) on their own,” says Antony.

Antony says, “I not only try to teach the fundamental concepts, but also try to demonstrate those when possible.  So we will frequently take a ‘field trip to the lab’ to see an example of the answer and then we discuss implications in the world outside of AHS.”

Kopp was also awarded Teacher of the Month. She says she has been teaching for a “very long time” and enjoys seeing Arrowhead change and improve throughout the years. Kopp is a Special Education teacher, and she co-teaches classes, and works in the Learning Centers.

“My hope is that students feel what we work through together is purposeful and makes them more confident, capable, and interested in their learning,” Kopp says. “AHS is truly a great place to be!”

Schmid was unfortunately unable to respond to our requests, although he was also awarded Teacher of the Month.

“Any time teachers take on roles outside of their teaching day it helps builds relationships with students because it shows interest in their work and their achievements,” says King.