Teacher of the Year
2022-2023
It gives me great pleasure to announce Hanover Park’s 2022-2023 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.
He has been described as caring, passionate, involved in the total school program, and an inspiration to both students and staff. Our honoree goes above and beyond for the students and for this school. It has been noted by his colleagues that our honoree is an extremely hardworking teacher. He is energetic and devoted to his students and to his craft.
Our honoree is the department coordinator of the Music department who proudly teaches such courses as Band, String Ensemble, and American Popular Music. He is the director of the marching band, the jazz ensemble, the musical pit orchestra, and the HP theater manager. He does a tremendous job running our HP instrumental music program. He has trained many young musicians in his 10 plus years here at HP and has led his students in wonderful music programs, concerts, festivals, and competitions through the years.
One staff member stated, our honoree is one of the most influential teachers at this school. When you think of any major event at the school, odds are some version of the band is there. His hard work and dedication is shown through the numerous awards his students receive every year. Of course it would be easy to do well when you have the best students, but this teacher will take any student willing to learn and make them a respectable musician. His work is seen in all of our classes, with the band students more likely to be able to problem solve, work together, and share ideas. Another colleague stated that he is one of the hardest working teachers I know. His passion for music is contagious and he inspires his students to follow their musical dreams. His instrumental concerts entertain and now more than ever, music is an integral part of the education process and mental wellness. Students need this elective to express themselves in multiple ways. Our teacher of the year makes that happen.
Our honoree goes above and beyond for the students and for this school. He 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 him as part of our HP family.
Please join me in congratulating our 2023 Hanover Park High Teacher of the Year, Mr. Joe Spina!
Congratulations Mr. Spina, you truly are an inspiration to your students and to your colleagues.