March 7, 2016
 Our Vision: Ignite Passion. Inspire Excellence. Imagine Possibilities.

District 41 Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year

Dear District 41 Community
,

I am honored to announce that Benjamin Franklin 4th grade STEAM teacher Wayne Wittenberg has been selected as the District 41 Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year. Wayne is very deserving of this recognition. It is especially fitting as he plans to retire after this school year with 35 years teaching, 29 years with us in District 41 at Ben Franklin School. Two of Wayne's colleagues Randy Jones and Susie Thomas nominated him for this award.
    "Wayne Wittenberg has been a teacher in District 41 for close to 30 years. In that time he has touched the lives of hundreds of children. Wayne has been the go to guy when it comes to science making kits, putting together lessons, and spending many hours after school sharing his expertise in this area for teachers to learn, never asking for anything.

    Wayne has touched the lives of teachers and children across the nation through Golden Apple, working at Fermilab. I have never seen someone so dedicated to his classes, the children at Ben Franklin have been so fortunate to have called him their teacher over the last 30 years.

    Wayne spends every lunch period reteaching lessons that students did not do well on so they can be successful when they test. These are students who otherwise would not have been successful. They come out of his room smiling and feeling great about themselves. Wayne also does a Waffle Wednesday for students in his class that are helpers that week. Wayne makes waffles and serves the kids at a special table that is decorated. These kids are so proud of being chosen and spending time with him during lunch.

    Wayne has been an inspiration to all of Ben Franklin teachers, parents, and all of District 41. We are proud to call him our lifelong friend."

Wayne was honored at the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Breakfast this past Saturday. Also, Wayne will be featured in the Neighbor section of the Daily Herald this week. We are extremely lucky that Wayne has called District 41 his professional home for the majority of his career. The impact he has had on kids is a gift to his students and to our learning community. I am proud to call Wayne a colleague and wish him all the best as he finishes his last year teaching with us.

Congratulations, Wayne!

Paul Gordon
Superintendent



 

 

 
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