Students and staff at Hinsdale Middle School aren’t the only ones who have the highest praise for longtime teacher Kelly Pelak.
Pelak, who began her career in 1997 as a teacher in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181, recently was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The national award recognizes outstanding teachers who demonstrate a commitment to innovation and excellence in STEM education and is the highest honor the national government gives to recognize outstanding teachers in STEM.
Pelak will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in a special recognition ceremony and professional development events.
The process leading to Pelak receiving the prestigious award began in the fall of 2021 when former student Yazmin Crisostomo, now a junior at Hinsdale Central High School, nominated her.
After an extensive application process, Pelak was named an Illinois finalist in the spring of 2022.
After all states made their recommendations to a national committee, two finalists from each state had to wait 1-2 years for an announcement from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
President Joe Biden’s administration last month announced recipients for 2021, 2022 and 2023, and Pelak was one of those chosen for 2022.
“It was a great surprise hearing (in January) that I had been recognized at the national level,” Pelak said. “During the 25 years I have invested in this career and school district, I’ve poured my heart and soul into my craft. I am surrounded by excellence and exceptional teachers in District 181. It is an honor to be recognized amongst such a competitive field nationwide.”
Crisostomo said she first learned of the award in an email, and Pelak was the first person who popped into her mind.
“She didn’t just teach, she helped the students learn and engage in ways that made the material more comprehensible and enjoyable,” Crisostomo said. “I personally had fun learning in her classroom. She helped me enjoy science and overall make memories in her classroom.
“I think that her award is very well deserved, and I’m ecstatic that she received national recognition. I’ll never forget her classroom.”
Pelak said she knew from the time she was a small child that she wanted to be a teacher.
“I had a natural passion for learning, especially science,” she said. “I was blessed to have several impactful teachers and coaches growing up, many of whom I am still in touch with today.”
Pelak’s skills in the classroom very likely would be effective at any grade level, but she said middle school is a “perfect fit” for her.
“I strive to be the kind of teacher I needed and appreciated as an awkward adolescent myself,” she said. “The best part about teaching this age group is that it allows me the opportunity to positively impact their attitude towards a subject I love. Students are open to sharing my 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, Pelak said.
“Despite those many changes, one thing remains the same — the kids,” she said. “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. I work hard to make learning engaging, enjoyable, and challenging.”
Pelak struggled a bit to respond when asked what she believes makes her an outstanding teacher, saying that it would be best to ask others for their thoughts. But she did say that she has continually strived to improve, since her early days of teaching.
“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 said. “I utilize my creativity, work ethic, and enthusiasm to spark engagement and build meaningful connections with my students. “
And it’s those connections that are most responsible for keeping her motivated.
“Each year, a new batch of students arrives at my door, eager to learn,” she said. “Their enthusiasm and energy keep me motivated, and interested in showing up for them, making their middle school science experience a positive and memorable one.”
And based on comments from some current students, Pelak continues to very much reach her goals as a teacher.
“Ms. Pelak is the best teacher I have ever had,” Noor Azam said. “She puts time, work, and love into her teaching and welcomes us into class with a positive attitude. She wears a warm, gentle smile on her face and always makes our class laugh and brightens up our day.”
Another current student, Char Regnery, had a similar take.
“Ms. Pelak is an outstanding teacher because no matter how hard things are going, she always manages to make kids excited and engaged to learn,” Char said. “She feels for the kids in her class, always showing empathy and care.”
And current student Ellison Holmes said Pelak is an inspiration every day.
“She inspires me to be a better version of myself,” Ellison said. “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.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
