Nominate Your Teacher

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Lou Malnati’s is helping ce-lou-brate teachers!

Students, Administration and Parents have nominated their teachers and here are the 10 Teachers recieving free pizza for a year!

Ms. Jori Handelsman at Ravinia Elementary in Highland Park, IL. 

"For kindness, fun, and Disney flair. No teacher ever could compare. In Mrs. Handelsman's classroom, kids explore and play and a camping theme lights up their day! With weekly notes and warm hellos, her love for students clearly shows. From Highland Park, her local commitment is clear, and she runs HP Park camps when summer's here. Parents rave and kids agree, She's as amazing as can be! So give this gem some cheesy cheers and Free pizza for an awesome year!"

Ms. Michelle Kohout, a Special Education Teacher at River Wood Elementary in Naperville, IL. 

"Michelle is the most dedicated teacher. This is her 6th year of teaching and she was nominated for teacher of the year her first year teaching. She loves her students and they love her! She has dedicated her life to her students. She obtained her Masters degree while teaching full time. Her passion is teaching children to read. Michelle always has a book in her hand."

Mr. Matthew Plis at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago, IL.

"Mr. Plis is my favvvvorite teacher in the entire world!!! He has inspired many of his students to do their best in class and is always there for us!!! I think he deserves this recognition since he is an amazing person and many of his students want to make him happy!!!! He has been so helpful in my math career and he deserves this amazing pizza since he is amazing!!!!"

Mr. Samuel Foote, a Fifth Grade Teacher at Ward Traditional Academy in Tempe, AZ.  

"Mr. Foote is loved by a wide array of students at Ward Traditional Academy! Younger students hope to have him and former students look back on his class with great memories. He commands a classroom and a basketball court, but he's also down to Earth and loved by all."

Ms. Janaya Scalleta, a Middle School Teacher at Libery Jr High in New Lenox, IL.

"Janaya is the epitome of an incredible teacher and person! You would be hard pressed to find another individual as knowledgeable and giving as Janaya. She is a part of multiple groups here in our New Lenox community and outside of school she is the very same way. Her tireless efforts to make everyone, student and colleague alike feel safe and valued is always her utmost concern. What a blessing it is to work with such a talented person. Thank you Janaya!"

Ms. Jenny Poremba, a fifth Grade Teacher in at Lake Park Elementary in Addison, IL.  

"My wife has been teaching for over 40 years. She has made an impact on the community by inspiring generations of students. She is a recognized leader at her school and runs various committees that benefit students, teachers, and the community. Few things are as rewarding as when we're out and about and her former students come up and say what a positive impact she had on their lives, how she was their favorite teacher, and how they could always come to her for advice and guidance. Best of all, she doesn't do it for money, but out of love. A truly remarkable teacher and person."

Mr. Daniel Delaney, a Teacher at Morton High School in Berwyn, IL.  

"Dan is always finding ways of motivating his students! He teaches History and he has the kids do all kinds of fun activities and gives them "prizes"(candy, small trinkets). He does so much to make them want to learn and I've heard on many occasions students say he is/was their favorite teacher!"

Ms. Erika Brown-Thomas, a Teacher at Highland Middle School in Berwyn, IL.  

"Erika Brown-Thomas is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. She joined Highland's staff in 2022, walking into an underdeveloped music program. This didn't stop her, creating choir groups for every grade level, after school groups, and even a show choir. Thanks to her efforts, the size of the program has nearly tripled in size. Recently, she has been battling POTS. Even with her new health challenge, she has continued to persevere, making high level music education accessible. Erika is an amazing human being, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this nomination."

Ms. Kristen Marsh, a Chior Teacher at Grimmer Middle School in Schererville, IN.  

"Kristen is a phenomenal choir teacher. This year she took her 8th grade class to perform at Carengie Hall in New York City! They also brought back gold for their ISMAA competitions. Kristen goes above and beyond her teaching and work day organizing wonderful events like out 50th Year Celebration of our school. She is a very deserving teacher."

Mr. Daniel Dvoracek, a Teacher at Herrick Middle School in Downers Grove, IL.  

"I am nominating this middle school math teacher for National Teacher Appreciation Month because of their remarkable ability to make math engaging and accessible to all students. Through creative lessons, after-school tutoring, and math clubs, they build confidence and foster a love for learning. Their dedication inspires both students and fellow educators, and their positive impact extends beyond the classroom, strengthening our school community with every equation solved and every student empowered."

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