Mark Vondracek, better known as Doc V, was nominated for Bill Nye’s “America’s Favorite Teacher Award”. Teachers across the country are nominated for the award each year, with the competition having begun in 2024. The winner is awarded $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, a feature in Readers Digest and a school assembly by Bill Nye.
Vondracek is a physics teacher at ETHS and has won various awards in the past, this nomination being one of the many throughout his career. Some of his awards include: Physics Teacher Award (2019), University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award (2020) and runner up for Illinios’s Teacher of the Year (2022).
Vondracek expressed how he would have planned to use the money towards three of his many projects. The first project is a school partnership with a school in Malawi. This program’s funds go towards crops and agricultural funding so students in Malawi can learn how to farm crops. Past funds have also gone towards building an irrigation system, so they can maintain crops long-term during drought season. These crops help feed thousands of students every school year and help local communities thrive. The second project is an achievement gap between minority and non minority students (3rd-8th) in schools. These funds would make great strides towards equality in education and help Project Excite move forward. For Vondracek’s third project, he plans on putting funds towards his classroom’s tower gardens that grow and produce food to help families in need year round.
“It always feels good in any position or career to be nominated for an award and it’s really nice to hear,” Vondarcek said. “It means I’ve done good things in the past, but I want to focus on the present and how I can impact my present class.” His students often don’t know about the awards he’s won because he doesn’t talk about them a lot. Vondracek remains humble and wants to continue making a good impact on his classroom/students at all times.
Vondracek originally went to school to become a professor or researcher, but plans changed in graduate school when he fell in love with teaching. “I wanted to work with people and a place where I could have the biggest impact, so I chose to start teaching in highschool” Vondracek has been teaching high school ever since, and this spring is nearing the end of his 27th year at ETHS. He also highlighted how 30 years ago, it was unusual for someone with his PhD to become a teacher.
Vondracek never felt like he did anything special within his career, but he was able to connect with students over the years.
“Life is all about relationships, and relationships can move mountains.”
Doc Vs students speak very highly of his teaching methods. “Something that is special about Doc V’s teaching is that he provides so many opportunities for his students like research projects and connections to Northwestern programs.” says Rory McKee. Hands-on projects can create a long-term academic effect on students, giving them a deeper insight to what they’re doing especially when it’s coming from a college level. students are more successful and confident in the classroom when they have a better understanding of what they’re learning. ““He has so much knowledge and so many connections that if you have a question about anything he will find a way to help.” “Rory McKee also adds. His aspiration to always help is reassuring when kids are confused, a common feeling for most students.
Knowing your teachers can create a better habit of showing up and learning in their classrooms. “Doc V always makes an effort to connect with his students, whether it is asking us about our weekend or making sure we all understand the material.” says Rory Mckee. Doc Vs personal connection with his students can create that trust that is valued by students. His method of asking lighthearted questions also can push students to engage in class that day and be more open, overall motivating them.
Doc V eventually was crowned second place in the competition. This is something ETHS should celebrate and be proud of. Doc Vs morals have the right impact on kids and he expressed how he will continue to be the best teacher he can be for all students.
