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Health & Fitness

HPHS Drama Teacher Named Outstanding Educator by NSSED

Scott Shallenbarger recognized for his exemplary work with students with special needs.

The Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED) selected Highland Park High School drama teacher Scott Shallenbarger this year’s Dave Peterson Outstanding Educator Award winner.

Shallenbarger was honored with the award at a presentation on April 17th at the North Shore Academy in Highland Park.
 
Highland Park High School mom Lisa Whitefield was one of the parents who nominated Shallenbarger for the award and spoke at Tuesday’s ceremony. She thanked Shallenbarger for his work with her son during a play his junior year.
 
“It was the most amazing and touching thing I had ever seen in my life,” Whitefield said about the performance that included students with a spectrum of special needs. “It was amazing for me to see my son doing something that I could never have imagined.”
 
Each year, NSSED recognizes an individual educator or administrator who
displays an outstanding commitment to the inherent possibilities in children
with special needs and exemplifies the positive values and ideals characterized
by Dave Peterson, retired NSSED Superintendent.
 
“I didn’t know Dave Peterson,” Shallenbarger said during his acceptance speech. “But I feel honored to be the torchbearer of an award that has his name on it.”
 
Shallenbarger commented that he went into teaching because he loved teaching and has always maintained high expectations for himself and his students. He thanked the administration of District 113 and Highland Park High School, as well as his colleagues for supporting his work inside and outside the classroom. He also profusely thanked his special education students.
 
“I believe these students are the angels that have taught me so much more than I have taught them,” he said.

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