EPCHS science teacher named a Teacher of the Year

Evergreen Park Community High School, 9901 S. Kedzie Ave., announced that science teacher, Bryn Zingrebe, has been named to the Illinois State Board of Education Teacher of the Year Cohort as its 2024 Outstanding Early Career Educator.

By Kelly White

Evergreen Park Community High School takes pride in its incredible educators.

The high school, 9901 S. Kedzie Ave., announced that science teacher, Bryn Zingrebe, has been named to the Illinois State Board of Education Teacher of the Year Cohort as its 2024 Outstanding Early Career Educator.

“When I think about it, I am truly at a loss for words,” Zingrebe, of Naperville, said. “To even be considered was an honor in itself. I would have never expected that I would actually be lucky enough to receive the award. I am just incredibly thankful for all the support from my colleagues, students, and the Evergreen Park community.”

This is Zingrebe’s fourth year of teaching and fourth year of employment at Evergreen Park Community High School. She has also served as the primary AP/Honors Chemistry Teacher, Assistant Cross Country Coach (2022-Present), Assistant Track and Field Coach (Boys in Spring 2022/Girls in Spring 2023), BRIDGE Teacher and Mentor (2022-Present), and Leadership Sponsor (2023-Present).

Zingrebe attended Illinois State University for her Undergraduate Degree, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in Spring 2020. Last year, she completed a Master’s of Science Degree in Teaching and Learning (ESL Concentration) from the University of St. Francis.

However, her own education does not stop there, as she is currently back in the classroom in her free time working to earn a Master’s of Science Degree in Chemistry from Ohio University.

“My colleagues in the Science department at EPCHS have truly shaped me into the teacher I am today,” Zingrebe said. “Our department prides itself on the ability to collaborate for the benefit of our students. As a team, we are always working to answer the question, ‘How can we best serve our students?’ On our quest to answer this question, we have created numerous engaging and meaningful lessons that encourage students to be curious about the world around them.

Every person in the Science department has had a direct impact on my teaching. Whether it was offering support, guidance, or content expertise. The EPCHS Science department is quick to offer a helping hand for the betterment of instruction and the EP community.”

Zingrebe is one of 15 teachers statewide selected to the cohort, according to the ISBE.

The ISBE annually selects Regional Teachers of the Year, an Outstanding Early Career Educator and Bilingual, Special Education and Early Childhood Teachers of the Year to be members of the Illinois Teachers of the Year Cohort. ISBE received a record number of nominations and applications for the cohort in 2024.

Zingrebe was nominated for the award by EPCHS’s Curriculum Director, Megan Schillo.

“In late 2023, I had submitted an application for award consideration,” Zingrebe said. “As an aspect of the application, I submitted several letters of recommendation, a short biography, and essays detailing my defining qualities and accomplishments. In early 2024, my colleagues and I had been notified of my selection for the award.”

A committee of ISBE administrators, teachers, educational service personnel, student support personnel and past Illinois Teacher of the Year winners selected this year’s awardees.

Zingrebe said she only has her career at EPCHS to thank for the accomplishment.

“Learning from my students has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of teaching at EPCHS,” Zingrebe said. “My students share new knowledge with me every day. Listening and learning from my knowledgeable teens has led to improvement in my character, a deeper understanding of effective teaching techniques, and has improved my ability to deliver science content in a meaningful and relevant way.”