ESOL Teacher Jill Morey Receives District High School Teacher of the Year Award

Now experiencing her sixth stint as an educator, North High teacher Jill Morey received the 2013 Parkway School District Teacher of the Year Award while garnering the attention of the entire student body.

“Teaching gets me up in the morning,” Morey explained, who is in her fourth year of teaching at North. “I tend to be pretty shy. So the attention was a shock. But I am so proud, because there is a focus on all students. It doesn’t matter if students were born and raised here; we are all here to help.”

Morey specializes in teaching students who know English as a second language, a department known to staff and students as ESOL.

“There are five different levels of ESOL classes and it is for all students who need extra support,” Morey said.

Morey has taught at five different schools prior to becoming a teacher in the Parkway District. Most recently, she had taught French to students at Whitfield High School. Her educational experience includes time spent in Japan and France.

“The teaching personnel [at North] is willing to go above and beyond,” said Morey. “I feel challenged by my colleagues to do my best every day. And for me, one of the best parts is to watch a student make progress.”

Working with students who are not fluent in English presents a daily challenge. There is gratification for Morey in knowing that her efforts make a lasting impact.

“It is so gratifying for me to watch a student break through barriers,” Morey said. “This is helping all of us in a community know that everyone has gaps and we have to work together to fill those gaps.”

The positive impact initiated by Morey at North has a ripple effect among international students.

“She helps you learn in different ways,” said senior Deep Patel.  “It becomes easier for the person to know English.”

Outside of class, Morey has befriended numerous students who are comfortable staying after school in her classroom to keep up with classwork.

“The older students are in after school and enjoy the one on one time,” Morey explained. “I love it when people are dependent on me and also when they grow to become more independent, even though that is hard.”

Written by: Kevin Graeler (Editor-in-Chief)