2019 Those Who Excel Recipient: Stefanie Ronge
/
Stefanie Ronge, a chemistry and physics teacher at Buffalo Grove High School, was presented with an Award of Excellence in the Early Career Educator category, which honors teachers in their second to fifth year of teaching. Ronge began her career in August 2015 as a science teacher at Wheaton Warrenville South High School before moving to BGHS in 2017.
“Stefanie has made an incredible impact on the lives of all who work with her—students, parents, staff and administration—in her short time here”
In her first year at BGHS, Ronge introduced coding, inquiry lessons and project-based assessments into her classes. Her work was recognized by Sphero, a national robotics company, and she co-led a National Sphero Conference in spring 2019. She also ran an inquiry workshop for all BGHS teachers and later did a presentation on the next generation of science standards for teachers from District 214’s six schools.
Outside the classroom, she signed up to become an assistant cross country coach at the school and later volunteered to coach the girls’ soccer program. She serves as a judge at Speech Team competitions and sponsors the Environmental Club, leading students in new initiatives such as a shoe drive, a community coat drive and designing a tower garden. She also volunteers for the school’s “Saturday School,” a drop-in quiet study program where she helps students who need support in science or math.
In addition, Ronge, who recently received her English Learner certification, works one-on-one with students who are new to the U.S. She also implements SEL (Social Emotional Learning) activities in her classroom to create an atmosphere of safety and comfort.
“Stefanie has made an incredible impact on the lives of all who work with her—students, parents, staff and administration—in her short time here,” said BGHS Principal Jeff Wardle in nominating Ronge. “[She] is an amazing educator who truly shapes the lives of students in the science classes she teaches, the sports she coaches and the club she sponsors. She embodies the mission of our school and District to truly prepare every student for success.”
Ronge holds a master’s of education degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a teaching concentration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
READ MORE STORIES ABOUT OUR THOSE WHO EXCEL RECIPIENTS:
