Every year, The University of Chicago works to appreciate and recognize educators that have played a crucial role in nurturing their students. The attending students at the university nominate teachers that have inspired them and have been an example of an “outstanding educator.” Jacob Anderson, a West alumni, nominated English teacher Aimee Cole for the award.  

  “It feels good that I made an impact on a student who realized that I cared about them and cared about their growth as a student,” Cole said. 

  Having good teachers through high school is extremely important, as strong academic mentors  can lead to greater confidence, engagement, academic performance and emotional well-being in students. 

   “[An outstanding educator is] someone who genuinely cares about people and cares about their personal growth in whatever that is. I think it’s someone who probably has enough rigor in the classroom to challenge people whatever level they’re at,” Cole said.  

The school wanted to give Mrs. Cole recognition for her award nomination, so a post was put on the West Facebook account discussing the events and the type of person and teacher she is. 

   “Aimee stood out among a field of incredible, capable, and inspiring educators. We are proud to recognize you! An outstanding educator shapes young minds in meaningful ways-thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning and caring for the students both inside and outside the classroom.” a post on the West facebook page, honoring this nomination said. 

Cole consistently works to improve the lives of her students through making individual connections. Her work goes beyond the level of a teacher and extends into creating individual relations with her students.

  “I think I definitely strive to make connections with students and let them know that I care about them, but also that I can look at their work on an individual level and try to see how they can grow and how they can be more successful,” Cole said.