Erin Courtney Receives University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award
Congratulations to our Mathematics Department Chair Ms. Erin Courtney who recently received the University of Chicago's Outstanding Educator Award. This distinguished award has existed for more than three decades. Students accepted into the University of Chicago Class of 2025 were asked to nominate an educator who has played a significant role in their education and whose influence has brought them to where they are today. Responses were received from thousands of students in recognition of educators who have positively impacted their lives.
Andrew Ray '21, who is currently a freshman at UChicago, nominated Ms. Courtney for the award. "Ms. Courtney is one of the nicest and most caring people you will ever meet," wrote Andrew in his submission. "She is deeply committed to the success of her students and will stay with someone for hours or repeat something over and over and over again just to make sure each student understands each concept. She also strives to create a personal bond with each student making sure that everything is well in their personal life and will comfort the student if everything isn't. She always makes time for her students when they need help and has helped many kids pass math who have struggled in the past. The adjective that best describes her is superhero, and I know for a fact that Loyola Blakefield would be a much worse place without her."
From the press release, "The University of Chicago is honored to recognize excellence in teaching and sincerely congratulates this year’s Outstanding Educator Award winners. An Outstanding Educator 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. The University deeply appreciates the lively minds who thirst for knowledge that these educators have nurtured and inspired. We thank them for going above and beyond the call of duty every day and leaving an impression that will be carried over a lifetime."
All award winners receive a commemorative award, certificate, and letter that includes details from the student they were nominated by. A virtual event celebrating this year’s winners took place on October 25.
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Andrew Ray '21, who is currently a freshman at UChicago, nominated Ms. Courtney for the award. "Ms. Courtney is one of the nicest and most caring people you will ever meet," wrote Andrew in his submission. "She is deeply committed to the success of her students and will stay with someone for hours or repeat something over and over and over again just to make sure each student understands each concept. She also strives to create a personal bond with each student making sure that everything is well in their personal life and will comfort the student if everything isn't. She always makes time for her students when they need help and has helped many kids pass math who have struggled in the past. The adjective that best describes her is superhero, and I know for a fact that Loyola Blakefield would be a much worse place without her."
From the press release, "The University of Chicago is honored to recognize excellence in teaching and sincerely congratulates this year’s Outstanding Educator Award winners. An Outstanding Educator 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. The University deeply appreciates the lively minds who thirst for knowledge that these educators have nurtured and inspired. We thank them for going above and beyond the call of duty every day and leaving an impression that will be carried over a lifetime."
All award winners receive a commemorative award, certificate, and letter that includes details from the student they were nominated by. A virtual event celebrating this year’s winners took place on October 25.
