A basic lesson in density takes on a whole new dimension when Lake View High School's Michael Lach teaches it. As a physics and environmental science teacher, Lach believes that many students are not naturally enthused by science, and that he has to constantly bring something extra to the classroom.
Motivation is an important part of teaching.
That's my job. Lach's animated approach to teaching, along with his focus on hard work, has earned him much recognition from his students and his colleagues. In just eight years of teaching, Lach has been named a Golden Apple finalist, an Illinois Science Teachers Association Regional Director, the recipient of several grants, and he was recently awarded National Board Certification. The certification is given by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which conducts an extensive, year-long series of assessments based on teaching portfolios, student work samples, videotapes, classroom teaching, and student learning. The purpose of the certification is to identify what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.