Northbrook Junior High Health Teacher Named Educator Of The Year

NORTHBROOK, IL — Wendy Concklin, a health teacher at Northbrook Junior High School, has been selected as the Illinois School Health Educator of the Year. According to Northbrook District 28, she is being honored by the Illinois School Health Association.

Concklin launched her "Quest for Health, Wellness and Fitness" curriculum in 2004. All of the more than 600 students in the school go through Concklin's nine-week quarter annually, where topics help "shape" their health and wellness decisions long after they leave NBJH.

"I'm very grateful that I work in a school and in a district that places a high value on the health and well-being of the students and staff," Concklin said. "I feel fortunate to have been trusted to develop a curriculum that meets the health education standards in a way that works for me and our kids."

Following a two-year district-wide committee researched the topic, Concklin's course launced 20 years ago this year. The district said lauded Concklin for applying her knowledge as a science teacher, and combining it with her lifelong interest in psychology and human behavior.

Topics include drug abuse, balanced diets, peer pressure and sexuality, as the district said Concklin focuses on the knowledge and skills students need to encourage better physical, social and mental/emotional health. She is also credited for constantly refining the course and updating it.

"We are thrilled Wendy is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of health education," Northbrook Junior High Principal Dr. Scott Meek said. "NBJH has been blessed to have Ms. Concklin lead our health program for the past two decades. She has such a deep commitment to improving the physical and mental health of her students, and it shows in her work each and every day."