Naperville Central teacher among the best

As someone whose job is to help students fit in, Patricia Adamatis is a little uncomfortable being in the spotlight.

The Naperville Central instructor is one of eight finalists for the Illinois Teacher of the Year Award.

"It was overwhelming at first," she said. "I generally like to fly under the radar a little bit."

In her more than 20 years at the school, she has helped develop the school's adapted physical education program, helping special needs students participate in gym class whether they're rock climbing or playing scooter pink ball.

Students who do not have disabilities serve as peer helpers in the class, giving both groups the chance to interact.

Paul Zientarski, head of the school's physical education department, said Adamatis' empathy, creativity and flexibility make her worthy of the recognition.

"I've never seen anybody make adaptations on the fly like Pat does," he said. "But she does so by allowing students to make those choices. That's what encourages kids to come back here."

A 1978 Central graduate herself, Adamatis said she is honored to be chosen from among some of the great teachers she once had while a student in the district. She hopes it will bring more recognition to the school.

"It's a huge honor I have to take seriously and use as a way to advocate what I do and the programs we have here at Central, especially adapted P.E.," she said.

Adamatis is one of three suburban finalists this year out of 170 total nominees for the Illinois State Board of Education award.

Also in the running are reading expert Renae Kraetsch of Hanover Park's Einstein Elementary School and Laura Stoppek, who teaches college-level history and psychology at Lincolnshire's Stevenson High School.

"What it all boils down to is how much they go above and beyond," said Ann Muraro of the Illinois State Board of Education. "For 365 days a year, they are out there and striving to help their kids learn in any way they can."

The Teacher of the Year will be announced Oct. 13 at a special awards banquet in Decatur. The winner will represent Illinois at NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., and in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

Naperville Unit District 203 has been a regular contender for the award. Last year Ranch View Elementary teacher Lynn Rule was a finalist.

The suburbs lay claim to other standout teachers.

In 2004, Elgin High School environmental science teacher Deb Perryman won the state's top teaching award.

In 2003, Prospect High School's David Morrison received the honor for his work as band director.

And in 2002, physics teacher Robert Grimm from Palatine's William Fremd High School got the accolade.