Urbana Middle School French teacher Bonny Thiel was selected for the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.

The University of Chicago defines an Outstanding Educator as someone who 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 University of Chicago 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. It’s a tradition that goes back three decades. 

The student who niminated Ms. Thiel said the following:

“I’m grateful to have had many great teachers throughout my time in Urbana schools, but Ms. Thiel stands out as someone who deserves special recognition for her dedication to education. During the two years she taught my middle-school French class, I learned French very rapidly, due in part to the French grammar handbooks she meticulously constructed and stapled together for each of us. She often assigned projects which required collaboration and creativity, such as skits to be performed in front of the class, allowing us to have a great deal of fun with our work. Some of our units included French food tasting, and others included the explication of contemporary French music videos. Overall, I’m inspired by Ms. Thiel’s dedication to helping her students succeed and opening our minds to the depth and breadth of language and literature. From what I know, it sounds like Ms. Thiel also devotes some of her free time to translation to help the school district communicate with French-speaking students and vice versa. She deserves this award and many others.”

Award winners receive a commemorative award, certificate and letter that includes details from the student they were nominated by. 

Urbana School District appreciates Ms. Thiel for going above and beyond every day for her students, leaving a lasting impression upon them. 

Additional information about  the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator can be found at the following link: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/counselorseducators/outstanding-educator-awards