Science Teacher Lisa Pavic was the recipient of the Illinois Science Teachers Association’s (ISTA) High School Educator Award, Jeff Rylander, Science Instructional Supervisor said. 

The ISTA High School Educator award is given to one high school teacher every year to recognize the work they put into teaching, Rylander said. Pavic acknowledges that she would not be here without her family, friends, and the South community. She received the award Sept. 1, she said.

“[I am] here because [I have] been surrounded and supported by a lot of great people, whether [it is] outside or in [South],” Pavic said.

Pavic’s willingness to grow her teaching and learning skills is something to aspire and look up to, Rylander said. Going to conferences and workshops to help her expand her scope of teaching helps her in the classroom, he added.

“[Pavic] is the epitome of professional growth,” Rylander said. “[Her] hunger to learn keeps teaching fresh for [teachers and] also makes us better at our craft.”

Trying new things and problem solving is something Pavic has grown to enjoy while teaching, she said.

“Getting out of [my] comfort zone has always been a challenge for me, but now I love it,” Pavic said. “I get excited to try new things and see how something’s going to work.”

Pavic would not be where she is today without the love and excitement she has for her career and the community.

“[I enjoy] giving students an experience in science [that is] valuable,” Pavic said. “[I hope] they come out feeling that [science] is something they could look forward to in the future or think about doing as a career.”