In the News: Grad School Alumna Recognized as Distinguished Teacher

Laura (Merlo) Strybel MAT ’07 was recently recognized as a Distinguished Teacher with Noble Schools, a charter public school network in Chicago.

The distinction celebrates teachers for their outstanding and transformational performance, and for achieving an “exceptional impact” with students. Seven teachers were inducted into the Distinguished Teachers program for the 2023-24 school year.

Strybel teaches environmental science at Noble Street College Prep in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood.

“Personally and professionally, being named a Distinguished Teacher is an incredible honor,” Strybel said in a news release issued by Noble Schools. “To be listed among such remarkable educators gives me a sense of confidence in my pedagogical methods. Teaching is extremely fulfilling, but it is also incredibly difficult because our work is focused on the long game, on the distant future. This distinction helps me feel confidence—right now—that my work, my efforts, the love and passion and the full outpouring of self that I put into my work with and for students is valuable, is purposeful, is, in fact, making a difference.”

Read more about Strybel here.