Teacher of the Year
2025-2026
It gives me great pleasure to announce Hanover Park’s 2025-2026 teacher of the year. Hanover Park High School conducts a program to recognize and honor outstanding teachers in the school. The goal of this program is to honor teachers who have clearly demonstrated effective instructional techniques, a positive interaction with students, and the development of feelings of self worth, and a love of learning in students.
This year’s honoree is dedicated and committed to the students of Hanover Park and to the teaching profession. She has been described as caring, passionate, supportive, and an inspiration to both students and staff. It has been noted by her colleagues that our honoree is an extremely hardworking teacher who goes above and beyond for her students on a daily basis. She is energetic, positive, and devoted to her students and to her profession.
Our honoree is the co-coordinator of the Math department who has proudly taught all classes such as Algebra II/Trig and Precalculus. Additionally, she is co-advisor for the Class of 2028. During her tenure at HP, she has also coached Girls Basketball and Girls Soccer. Lastly, she is a proud alumni of Hanover Park and an active member of the East Hanover Township community.
One staff member stated that our honoree goes above and beyond for her students. Almost every day I walk by her classroom and see her with students in the mornings and after school, at the board explaining concepts. She is always available to them. She is always a team player, and is so unassuming. She came to speak on a panel for first and second year teachers and from her answers it is obvious that the decisions she makes as a teacher are intentional and are based on practice and experience. Never one to seek recognition, she does what she does for love of her subject and her students.
Another colleague added that our honoree is incredibly dedicated to her students and the HP community as a whole. She goes above and beyond for her students both in class and out. She has a great relationship with her classes and I have heard nothing but positive remarks from students who have her as a teacher. Any time I walk by her class, students are engaged in their learning and actively enjoying being in her class. She puts in countless hours outside of school to help us as a department as well as the students she advises. She is a wonderful coworker and has more than proven herself as one of HP's bes
An HP student noted that her style of teaching is perfectly adapted to fit her students’ needs. The assignments she provides are specifically catered to guide a student through the subject and prepare them for the test. In the two years I've had her as a teacher, I've never walked away from an assessment thinking that I was not thoroughly prepared. In addition, she welcomes input from her students. She often asks her students about upcoming assessments in their other classes, and plans her exams so they do not overlap. A small number of times, the class agreed that more time was necessary to prepare for a test. She listened and happily provided more practice while pushing the test back. I think the fact that her students feel comfortable communicating their needs also speaks volumes about her character. Furthermore, she never misses an opportunity to compliment a student’s ability and proficiency on a subject. When a student is struggling she is patient and meticulously explains the material until she is sure the student understands it. As her student, I can tell she genuinely wants her students to succeed, and she has furthered my love for math.
Based on the numerous nominations from students and staff it is quite evident that our honoree goes above and beyond for the students and for this school. She is a caring, kind, and hard working professional who is always willing to assist students and staff when needed.
Our honoree is a truly outstanding teacher and we are lucky to have her as part of our HP family.
Please join me in congratulating our 2026 Hanover Park High Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Michelle Clark!
Congratulations Mrs. Clark, you truly are an inspiration to your students and to your colleagues.