Legacy teacher leaves lasting impression

Teachers are the backbone of Adams 12 Five Star Schools and they change the lives of students. They think carefully about their instruction while caring about their students both in and out of the classroom. Outstanding educators go above and beyond everyday teaching and this leaves an impression that is carried over a lifetime. This is why we are so proud of Beth Bynarowicz, educator at Legacy High, for receiving the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.

Here is the Press Release for Beth Bynarowicz:

Beth Bynarowicz Receives University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award

Beth Bynarowicz, an educator at Adams 12 Five Star Schools in Thornton, Colorado received the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.

An Outstanding Educator shapes young minds in meaningful ways—thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom. Each year, newly admitted UChicago students have the opportunity to reflect on their time in school and nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education, made a positive impact in their lives, and whose influence has brought them to where they are today.

The University of Chicago is honored to recognize excellence in teaching and sincerely congratulates this year’s Outstanding Educator Award winners, who are exceptional in their field and role models for all students. The University deeply appreciates the lively minds who thirst for knowledge that these educators have nurtured and inspired. We thank them for going above and beyond the call of duty every day and leaving an impression that will be carried over a lifetime.

All award winners receive a commemorative award, certificate, and letter that includes details from the student they were nominated by. Principals and superintendents of award winners will also receive communications notifying them that their employees have received the award.

Bynarowicz was chosen by her former student Nicole Millan Ortiz, who shared some words of gratitude:

"Thank you! Thank you for the Irish dance lessons, and the "nerding out" over books, and the fun lightsaber battles, and the support on my timed writings (however nonsensical they may be). Thank you for believing in me, even when I don't believe in myself--well, especially then. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for your unwavering faith in me and my abilities, and I certainly would't be attending UChicago if you hadn't pushed me to keep pushing myself. Most of all, thank you being an awesome teacher! If I'm a famous author one day, I'll be sure to include you in the acknowledgements--and send you an ARC, of course."

This story exemplifies our ELEVATE Focus Area: World-Class Staff. Sharing stories about how staff is compensated, supported and trained to foster student success and family partnerships.