"It's gotta be the going, not the getting there that's good." This catchy line from an old Harry Chapin song comes to mind when talking to 2016 District 58 Teacher of the Year Janette Syverson.
Mrs. Syverson retired this month after teaching 25 years at O’Neill and Indian Trail. She’s done a lot during her tenure in District 58, but when asked for a favorite memory, she carefully reflects and responds, “I can’t say I have a favorite. The entire District 58 experience has been one seamless, amazing memory. I love it here. There certainly are highlights that stand out, but I can’t pick just one as a favorite.”
Mrs. Syverson then recounts some of those aforementioned highlights: In 1993, her sixth graders won a prestigious state-level computer science coding challenge. The judges complimented the students on their authenticity – they could tell that the students’ work was their own, unlike some of the other strong contenders. That’s what made her most proud: not only did her students excel with science, they also worked ethically.
Mrs. Syverson also recalls some smaller, yet meaningful, memories – starting a student Fingernail Polish Club and watching it evolve into an avenue for insightful conversation; working with struggling students after school and observing the moment when they finally “got it” and realized their own potential.
Mrs. Syverson is particularly thoughtful when it comes to her work colleagues. Collaboration is word she frequently uses. Whenever a big challenge or opportunity arises, Mrs. Syverson knows she can rely on her colleagues for help and collaboration and vice versa. It’s ingrained in the work culture.
“Collaboration comes naturally to O’Neill,” she says.
For one recent example, she points out last year’s Follett Challenge victory. LRC Teacher Tasha Squires led the effort, but many O’Neill teachers willingly offered a helping hand, happy to contribute to the effort’s momentum. This paid off in the form of a $60,000 award for books and materials from Follett.
When considering collaboration, Mrs. Syverson doesn’t talk long before bringing up her ultimate collaborator – Sarah Pinkus. The two have taught O’Neill science together for 16 years. “We think so much alike. Sarah has been my muse for a long time!” she says.
The duo has come up with some scathingly brilliant ideas, from creating O’Neill Medical School to seeking and receiving a grant to spruce up O’Neill’s courtyard. They then volunteered to lay the courtyard’s brickwork and plant the greenery themselves.
“I always do my best, and I never give up,” Mrs. Syverson says quietly.
That’s an understatement, according to Mrs. Syverson's work colleagues. A team of O’Neill teachers nominated Mrs. Syverson for the Teacher of the Year designation. They submitted seven pages – single spaced – highlighting all the attributes that Mrs. Syverson brings to the table.
The DGEEA surprises Mrs. Syverson with news that she’s Teacher of the Year during a morning meeting.
“Janette has innate qualities that are threaded into her personality that make her an extraordinary teacher,” the nomination says. “Her tremendous work ethic is second to none. Every year, no matter the changes in education, she rolls with new ideas, new curriculum, new teaching strategies and new ways to connect with students. She is inquisitive about education and makes meaningful changes in her classroom that are supported by reflection.”
The DGEEA surprises Mrs. Syverson with her Teacher of the Year designation.
The nomination goes on to demonstrate how Mrs. Syverson serves as a role model to students and teachers alike; how she does not shy away from a challenge; how working hard comes naturally to her. They shared a long list of professional organizations and community partnerships that Mrs. Syverson has joined. They listed her committee work and the sports she’s coached (cheerleading, volleyball and track).
As Mrs. Syverson completes her time with District 58, she reflects on all of these little memories that together make for one heck of a journey. And as this crazy journey comes to an end, she looks forward to her next adventure: She and her husband will soon move to Indiana to live closer to their daughter and 20-month-old granddaughter. She’s very excited to travel during the school year. She looks forward to visiting Nashville, where her youngest daughter lives. She has plans to walk the Mackinac Island Bridge over Labor Day, visit West Virginia in the fall, and tour Italy in the near future. She’s excited to see more national parks and historic sites.
“We have a lot of plans to load our motorcycle and scooters into the back of our truck and take them to places that we can explore on two wheels,” she says. “We’re excited to see any beautiful place that we can drive to!”
Congratulations, Mrs. Syverson! On behalf of the District 58 community, we wish you a wonderful and happy retirement.