Rich Kolimas Named L-W East Teacher of the Year

A leader in curriculum and instruction has been named Teacher of the Year by his colleagues at .

Rich Kolimas, who teaches AP English at Lincoln-Way East, was honored at a teachers’ institute meeting May 30 at the school.

“Rich has led the revisions and improvements in the English 2 curriculum and in AP Language and Composition,” said English department Chair Tom Anstett who nominated Kolimas for the award.

“He has also been instrumental in the development of the Writing Center, having been a teacher in there for the last three years,” he added. “His humble, yet powerful perspective about life and teaching directly influence the entire English staff.”

Since joining District 210, Kolimas has been a leader in curriculum and instruction, implementing exam improvements and introducing iPads to his classroom, stated Dr. Scott Tingley, principal of Lincoln-Way East.

He has also served as East’s varsity basketball coach, always showing students the same patience, tenacity, inclusion of detail, teamwork and a sense of humor that he models in the classroom.

“He is the ultimate team player,” said Anstett, always sharing his classroom materials and never seeking credit.

As Teacher of the Year, Kolimas will have his picture permanently displayed in East’s library.

He joins a long list of Teachers of the Year at East, including last year’s inductee, Jeff Keller, who chairs the school’s math department.