As part of NBC's education nation series, we salute five great teachers from the Chicagoland area:
Patrick Hernandez
Nominated for his dedication, students say his car is often the first in the parking lot at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Mundelein and the last to leave at night.
Danita Williams
This Woodlawn Elementary teacher is one students say they can text message when they have a tough decision or even when they want to share good news.
Bill Frere
Mr. Bill, of St. Patrick High School, is "the man" according to his students. They say he is always trying to help them in any way that he can.
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Judy Porte
Over her long career at Sullivan High School, Porte has baked hundreds of cakes and cupcakes to celebrate a kid's birthday. She often gets calls from former students, some in their 40s, who just want to update her on what is going on in their lives.
Christine Rifkin
Known as "Miss Chris" to her students, Rifkin has been teaching handicapped young people how to care for themselves for 20 years at Transitions in Orland Park. Her selfless consideration, love and attention to these "most special" individuals in our world makes her extremely worth of this nod.
