Belvidere Teacher Honored for Dedication, Patience, and Student Advocacy

This week, we’re celebrating a special education teacher whose dedication, patience, and leadership stand out in every way.

As we near the end of the school year, it's been amazing to see all these nomination letters for Teacher of the Week.  The amount of love we get to share every week in a different classroom is truly unmatched!

97ZOK TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Read More: Machesney Park Teacher Proving Great Educators Change Lives

Congratulations, Rob Wesselhoff from Belvidere High School!

We received two beautiful letters about Mr. Wesselhoff!  Abigail Bennett wrote this letter:

"I am nominating Mr.Wesselhoff to be “Teacher of the Week” because he is not only an incredible special education teacher but also a role model who has made a lasting impact on my life and his students life. His dedication goes far beyond the classroom and he creates an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and capable. He also has incredible patience, creativity, and this amazing commitment to his student’s success!"

 

Related: Rockford Celebrates a Teacher Whose Impact Lasts a Lifetime

"He really stands out because he not only teaches special ed he organized Belvidere+ Belvidere North special olympics team and so much more! Not only does he touch the lives of his students, he touches the lives of every student he meets or coaches. On a personal level, Mr.Wesselhoff has been an incredible mentor and friend to me even after the years I graduated. He shares his wisdom, encouragement, and guidance that has really helped me grow and turn into the autism acceptance advocate that I am today. He has all the best qualities of an educator and I cannot think of anyone who deserves this award more than him."

 

Morgan Klick also shared this letter:

"Mr. Wesselhoff is one of the best teachers a school could have. Not only have I seen this working with his students in a class room but my neighbor was one of his students. He had such a positive outlook at teaching even when his students are having rough days it’s truly inspirational. He treats the students as if they were his own kids. He truly has the most patients I’ve ever seen."

As Teacher of the Week, Mr.Wesselhoff was surprised with a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, money to spend at WM Day Spa Salon, and lunch courtesy of Redd Insurance Group.

Hear the full interview below with Mr. Wesselhoff with 97ZOK.

TOTW - ROB WESSELHOFF