MPA Teacher Wins Outstanding Educator Award

CHICAGO, IL - A high school English and social studies teacher at Morgan Park Academy is a winner of this year's University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award. Derek Smith, a 6-year veteran teacher at the K-12 private school, was nominated for the honor by U of C freshman and 2017 MPA alum Aariel Batchelor. Batchelor said Smith "passionately challenged" students with strong dedication in nominating him.

"Receiving an award like this is incredibly humbling, and especially so when it comes through a nomination from a former student," Smith said. "I am glad to know that I made an impact on Aariel's life and I look forward to seeing her succeed at the University of Chicago and beyond."

A former Peace Corps volunteer who taught in Nepal and Moldova, Smith also serves as the school's director of service learning.

He is the second MPA teacher to receive the national award that recognizes excellence in teaching and mentorship in three years. Marius Radulescu was a winner of the award in 2015.

“This is a well-deserved recognition for Derek,” MPA Upper School Principal Tom Drahozal said. “Derek has a passion for learning that is contagious for his students and as our Director of Service Learning, he is the foundation of our efforts to continue the Academy’s tradition of service leadership and to instill in students the value of giving back to others.”

Photo courtesy of Morgan Park Academy