Syosset Teacher Receives University of Chicago's Outstanding Educator Award

Syosset High School English teacher Lydia Esslinger has been honored with the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award thanks to a nomination from a former student.

First-year students at the University of Chicago are invited to nominate an educator who has changed them, challenged them or inspired them.

Former student Zubair Merchant, who was enrolled in Esslinger’s AP Language course during his junior year, nominated Esslinger for the award. His essay was able to stick out from hundreds of letters from students who nominate a teacher they think is deserving of the award.

“It’s such a great honor to be recognized,” Esslinger said. “I have a great deal of respect for the University of Chicago.”

Esslinger has been with Syosset for more than 40 years and has taught nearly every English course offered. She currently teaches AP Language, AP Literature, creative writing and public speaking courses. She also directed the spring musical for 20 years. 

Merchant served as a captain of the Forensics Speech and Debate team, which Esslinger still coaches.

“Frequently, [Merchant] would stop by at the end of the day and ask if I needed him to do anything,” Esslinger said. “He was always very willing to stay late to help others on the team do well.”

The Forensics Speech and Debate team has been one of the most consistently successful co-curricular clubs at Syosset throughout the years, often winning awards and being recognized as a top debate team at the state and national level.

“I hope I helped to set a standard for these students,” Esslinger said. “I know a lot of their success is due to their willingness to help each other.”

The University of Chicago’s Office of College Admissions grants the Outstanding Educator Award to teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the education and mentorship of their students.

Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District