A Brilliant Teacher's Well Deserved Win

In the world of teaching, there are those who simply do their job, and then there are those who truly inspire. Kelly Pelak, a teacher who has been teaching for more than two decades in the Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181, falls into the latter category. Pelak's dedication and passion for teaching recently earned her the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, a national award that celebrates teachers who excel in the field of STEM. This honor comes with a $10, 000 cash prize from the National Science Foundation and a trip to Washington, D. C. , to participate in a special ceremony and professional development events. The journey to this award started when Yazmin Crisostomo, a former student of Pelak who is now a junior at Hinsdale Central High School, nominated her. Pelak's journey to this award did not happen overnight. The process began when the former student of hers, Yazmin Crisostomo, nominated her. After an extensive application process, Pelak was named an Illinois finalist. After all state recommendations went to a national committee, she had to wait 1-2 years for an announcement from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. President Joe Biden’s administration announced the recipients for 2021, 2022, and 2023, and Pelak was one of those chosen for 2022. Pelak stated that it was a great surprise to find out she had been recognized at the national level. She mentioned how she has poured her heart and soul into teaching. She feels honored to be recognized among an impressive group of educators. For the students, Pelak’s classroom was more than just a place to learn; it was an engaging and enjoyable experience. Pelak’s methods helped students enjoy science and created memorable experiences. Pelak’s love for teaching began in her childhood. She had a natural passion for learning, especially science. She was fortunate to have several impactful teachers and coaches growing up, many of whom she is still in touch with today. Her skills in the classroom would likely be effective at any grade level, but she feels that middle school is a perfect fit for her. She strives to be the kind of teacher she needed and appreciated as an adolescent herself. The best part about teaching this age group is that it allows her the opportunity to positively impact their attitude towards a subject she loves. Students are open to sharing her enthusiasm for science and technology. District 181 has been Pelak’s teaching home since shortly after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During her long tenure in District 181, the scope of responsibilities and additional facets of teaching have dramatically changed. Despite those many changes, one thing remains the same — the kids. Their learning styles and ability to attend to lengthier tasks may prove challenging in today’s classrooms, but at the heart of every kid who walks in the door is a desire to learn and a desire to belong in a challenging middle school world. Pelak said she works hard to make learning engaging, enjoyable, and challenging. She also struggles to respond when asked what she believes makes her an outstanding teacher, saying that it would be best to ask others for their thoughts. She has continually strived to improve since her early days of teaching. She said, “Because I prioritize learning and evolving as a teacher, I am open to trying new strategies, especially if it leads to greater student success and/or interest in science. ” She utilizes her creativity, work ethic, and enthusiasm to spark engagement and build meaningful connections with her students. And it’s those connections that are most responsible for keeping her motivated. Each year, a new batch of students arrives at her door, eager to learn. Their enthusiasm and energy keep her motivated, and interested in showing up for them, making their middle school science experience a positive and memorable one. Noor Azam, a current student, stated, “She puts time, work, and love into her teaching and welcomes us into class with a positive attitude. ” Char Regnery, a current student, said, “She always manages to make kids excited and engaged to learn. ” Ellison Holmes, another current student, said, “She inspires me to be a better version of myself. My favorite part of her teaching is her ability to be so calm and collected on the outside, even in high-stress situations. She loves every kid and person she meets. She makes everything way more fun than just learning with a textbook and notecards. ”