Rockford Teacher Honored for His Happy and Joyful Spirit

Almost a decade after being in his classroom, a former Rockford student shared the gratefulness she still feels daily for her middle school teacher.

97ZOK Teacher of the Week

As a person who is extremely grateful for some exceptional teachers in my past, I love when we get teacher nomination letters for this honor from students who've been out of that classroom for a long time.

Our new Teacher of the Week teaches middle school math and he was nominated by a student who is now in college.

CONGRATULATIONS to Ruben Escalante from Barbour Language Academy in Rockford, Illinois

Vanessa Rosales nominated Mr. Escalante, she writes,

Mr. Ruben Escalante is the representation of what a teacher should be. I suffered from bullying in school and he was the one to stand up for me and care about my mental well-being ( me being 10-13 years old) he also helped me exceed in my math journey, always challenging me and without him, I don’t think I would be who I am in college. He always knew what to say when I had doubts or wasn’t feeling well. He is a very happy and joyful person making all kinds of jokes that even if they weren’t funny, he is laughing at his own jokes was funny and made the whole class laugh. This is why I think he is the best teacher I’ve had throughout my years.

97ZOK Teacher of the Week-Ruben Escalante by Steve Shannon

As Teacher of the Week, Ruben was surprised with a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes and money to spend at WM Day Spa Salon.

If you would like to nominate your favorite teacher, click HERE.