When picking a career while he was a student at the University of Illinois, Michael Rotter knew he wanted to make an impact.
That’s why, after graduating in 2021, the Naperville North graduate began teaching special education at Centennial High School.
During those three years, he’s shown his worth, putting in long hours to tailor the school’s geometry curriculum to make it accessible to all of the school’s students, fellow teacher Jeremy Peterson said.
“Mr. Rotter shows an incredible dedication to his students,” Peterson said. “He cares deeply about their academic and emotional well-being. He has a passion for teaching and consistently strives to improve his craft.”
I find my work important because … every student deserves an opportunity to prepare themselves for a career, higher education and adulthood in general.
I became a teacher because … I wanted my career to be meaningful and impactful to my community.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … creating a perpendicular bisector with just a compass and straightedge.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … students turn it around and show improvement in academic work and academic habits.
I keep students engaged by … using games and humor to make class more interesting.
Something else I’m passionate about is … the Dune series.
My favorite teacher was … Ms. Moore at Naperville North High School, and my favorite subject to study in school was architecture.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … Liverpool FC’s starting center back (alongside Virgil Van Dijk).
— ANTHONY ZILIS