Bradley Abel
Teacher
Year Honored: 2011
John Hersey High SchoolArlington Heights, IL
At the time of the Award, Bradley Abel was:
TeacherJohn Hersey High School
Arlington Heights, IL
Subject(s) taught: Social Studies
Grade(s): 9
Biographical Information
Known for his positive attitude and considerate approach, Bradley Abel instills in students an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and personal improvement.
Abel worked closely with a colleague to develop the Advanced Placement human geography curriculum, and their efforts paid off: Hersey High now has five sections of the class, totaling 135 students. Touting learning results that are nothing short of stunning, 95 percent of his students took the AP test and 100 percent of them passed, including freshmen and sophomores who were taking the exam for the first time. What's more, Hersey has had a 3-to 4-point gain in ACT reading scores thanks to Abel's extra assistance.
But Abel is known for his ability to nurture growth and achievement in students at all levels. Special education teachers praise him for his success reaching those who are emotionally disturbed or hard of hearing and deaf. Always upbeat, Abel makes himself freely available to students and colleagues alike. And that's probably a big reason why his students consistently perform at the highest levels.
Abel is the social studies department's go-to contact and regularly mentors new teachers. His expertise is in high demand in other school districts as well. When he's not in the classroom, Abel can be seen on the playing field as the head coach for the girls' soccer team. He is also actively involved in Hersey High's “Service Over Self” community program.
Personal Message
I am so honored to be a member of the Milken Family Foundation. I look forward to learning from all of you, and increasing my knowledge about educational ideas and reform.
Bradley Abel In The News
Bradley Abel of Hersey High in Arlington Heights Nabs $25,000 Milken Educator Award
Patch.com | Nov 09 | 2011 | Buffalo Grove, ILHersey teacher shocked by Milken award -- and $25K prize
Chicago Tribune | Nov 09 | 2011 | Chicago, ILHersey teacher floored by national award, $25,000 prize
Daily Herald | Nov 09 | 2011 | Arlington Heights, ILJohn Hersey High School's Bradley Abel Surprised with $25,000 National Milken Educator Award
District 214 | Nov 09 | 2011 | Arlington Heights, ILArlington Heights Teacher Honored With Millken Educator Award
CBS Chicago | CBS | Nov 09 | 2011 | Chicago, ILArlington Heights teacher 'speechless' after winning ‘Oscars’ of teaching
Chicago Sun-Times | Nov 09 | 2011 | Chicago, ILRelated Connections
Educator Quote:
"I always have looked at the rewards of teaching through being able to help my students to learn and reach their full potential. To be..." (read more)
