Nancy Kontney: Wizard of Aahs
For the past 25 years, Nancy has taught at Grove Avenue School, St. Anne Catholic School, and Sunny Hill School. She has connected with more than 300 students, from 1st-graders to 5th-graders, without ever residing in the community.
Nancy grew up in Peoria, Ill., under the guidance of her loving parents and grandparents. “They made me the person and mother that I am,” said Nancy. Both her mother and father graduated from Augustana College. When it came to going to college, “it was never a question” for this Carthage College and Louis University graduate.
Becoming a teacher was never a question for Nancy, either. Since the age of six, she conducted class and disciplined her imaginary students in her basement. Her blonde, stunning third-grade teacher, Miss Scott, ignited this passion. “I walked into that room and I was like oh my gosh. I was in love with her,” said Nancy.
“She had some magic. She could make kids do things and make them feel important. I felt like I was the only one in the room she cared about. She gave me the power to be everything I could be.” Scott influenced Nancy’s hands-on teaching approach and became a leading role model in her life.
Nancy credited Scott in her speech when she won the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008. The Golden Apple was founded on the belief that “all children deserve excellent teachers.” Only 10 teachers amongst hundreds nominated in the Chicago area are chosen each year. The process involves applications, interviews, and observation. Once the Golden Apple winners are selected; they receive a cash prize, sabbatical at Northwestern University, and are inducted into the Golden Apple Academy of Educators. “I felt so great for Sunny Hill School. We won the Golden Apple Award, not me,” said Nancy.
This beloved educator believes that if teachers focus on teaching what’s important and covering the curriculum, the test scores will come. Regardless of the grade she is teaching, she feels that every student needs to be cared for and taught. “It doesn’t matter what your economic situation is, you can do this. We all have the same brains; we just don’t all have the same experiences. I want people to grab hold of life and live it at a higher level,” said Nancy.
Her unique teaching style captured the attention of the Golden Apple Awards Selection Committee, and captivates her students as well. “I stand on chairs. My students stand on chairs. We sing a lot. I throw glitter around constantly, because it is magical,” said Nancy. She often models a tiara and a magic wand, whether she is teaching kindergarten or 5th-grade. She loves visiting students in their homes and sharing her life with them. Her adopted children Beth, Ben, and Curt have even joined some of these visits.
Nancy and her husband, Chris, traveled all around the world to find their children and feel that they truly “have won the lottery.” They adopted twins Ben and Curt from Korea, and Beth from China. Her eyes sparkled as she gushed about her family, especially when she spoke of Chris. “He is our rock. He is just really the love of my life,” said Nancy.
When the Kontneys visit their lake home in Wisconsin, they can all escape from their hectic schedules and come together as a family. “My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. The time goes really fast, and you’ve got to embrace the moment. That’s kind of corny, but that’s how I feel,” said Nancy.
Given an hour to talk about herself, Nancy bragged only about her ability to bait her own fish hook and her view of the “best kept secret” of Barrington: Sunny Hill School. After knowing her for five minutes, she insisted on buying me a coffee. Then, when I ordered an iced coffee, she told me to pick something more exciting.
After talking with Nancy for an hour, I felt like I had known her my entire life. I can only imagine the warmth and wonder her students experience every day.
Here are some words that others shared about Nancy Kontney.
Irma Bates, Principal, Sunny Hill Elementary School
Nancy Kontney is a colleague to be celebrated and admired. She is a star among teachers; she displays passion and joy in everyday school happenings while making every child who walks into her classroom feel loved and important. Nancy goes beyond the traditional teacher role and becomes a trusted soul, a caring friend, and the insistent auntie. It is her sheer determination that every child will be successful, which leads to the confident writers and readers her kindergarten children become under her nurturing wing. When you walk into Nancy’s room you are captivated by the excitement in the air, and the pride with which she shares a child’s work, because she understands the effort that went into that magnificent sentence, story or illustration. Nancy is the teacher we aspire to be and the teacher we hope all our children are blessed to have.
Dominic Belmonte, President, Golden Apple Foundation
Nancy Kontney was selected as a Golden Apple Fellow in 2008. She proudly represents the best of teaching in Barrington, and is especially proud of the contribution her colleagues have made to provide a quality education to all of Barrington’s children. Filled with the passionate belief that all children can learn, Nancy has been a source of inspiration to prospective teachers and has helped Golden Apple in its quest to improve the teaching ability of veteran teachers. She has worked with Golden Apple’s on behalf of its mission, and serves as an example of the transformative power of excellent teaching in the six county Chicagoland area. We hail Nancy Koutney as a Quintessential Person and a superior example of the teaching craft.
Carol Ann Downs, Retired Elementary School Teacher of 34 Years
Nancy is my husband’s fourth cousin and I have known her for 35 years. It is an honor and privilege to share what makes Nancy an outstanding educator. She instinctively possesses the most important qualities: passion, leadership, classroom management, and secure mastery of the content knowledge.
In her early years of teaching, it was so evident she loved to teach and her students loved to learn! Teaching is demanding in various ways that include time, energy, and a deep sense of commitment. Nancy’s sense of selflessness
was and remains evident, for she daily extends herself in a productive fashion in order to fulfill her objectives. Her ability to communicate with her students and their parents creates a team approach to ensure progression and measurable gains.
As a leader, Nancy possesses integrity. I attribute much of this to her being raised in a positive, loving, Christian family where moral values and a strong work ethic existed on a daily basis. She continues to be a responsible individual; a good listener who consistently takes into account the views and concerns of others.
Every exceptional teacher utilizes exemplary classroom management skills, and Nancy is a “pro” at this! She creates a classroom that is safe, resourceful, productive, and filled with various learning styles and classroom dynamics. She also consistently engages her students, thus creates an atmosphere where everyone is actively involved in their own learning.
Nancy’s content knowledge is profound as evident by her ability to dissect, infer, map, chart, sequence, and answer questions about any given subject matter. There is no doubt in my mind her ability to positively influence her students, their parents, and her school community is far reaching. And throughout all of her awards, praise, and recognition, Nancy remains humble. What a deserving tribute to a fine young woman who has touched the lives of so many!
Kelly Lardner-Haradon, Friend and Colleague
Can you imagine what it would be like to work with the one person whom you admire the most? This dream has become my reality while teaching at Sunny Hill School with Nancy Kontney. Nancy is the epitome of a quintessential educator, mentor, colleague and friend. She has been my teacher, colleague, mentor, confidant, babysitting employer, friend, and role model. My journey with Nancy began as a kindergarten student at Grove Avenue School in the fall of 1993.
My memories of elementary school revolve around Nancy presenting Grove’s greatest awards, her over-the-top characters in school reading assemblies, her poetry, and most importantly, the stories that she would read on family reading night each year. Her classroom was always filled because she didn’t just read a story, but rather, she was the story. As a student, not a year passed that we didn’t all dream of stepping into her classroom and entering her magical world of the “Kontney Kid’s.” How did she create that magic? She stood on desks, she sang, and she wrote state raps, all of which I remember today. I am continuing to figure out what Nancy’s secret is.
Adrian Johnson, Friend
I was destined to meet Nancy Kontney. Before we met, our husbands played baseball together at the age of seven. When we finally met, we found ourselves living a block away from each other and riding the same parallel roller coaster ride for the past two decades. Once we got to know each other, our relationship blossomed. Through Chris and Nancy’s magical journey of adoption, their experience made the adoption of our son mimic an incredible adventure as well. We continue to make memories together when we vacation as one big, colorful family. Nancy is one of the most inspirational and interesting women in my life. I try to model my parenting after her patience and keen understanding of children. I truly believe Nancy is responsible for igniting my sons love for learning. Teaching is not a job for Nancy, but a labor of love.
Cynthia Kalogeropoulos, Principal, Grove Avenue School
Nancy Kontney was the first teacher I hired to join the Grove Avenue School staff 27 years ago. Without a doubt, Nancy falls in love with every child she teaches, and continues her love affair with each one long after the school year ends. When a “Kontney Kid” arrives at school each day, every boy and girl is greeted with Nancy’s enthusiastic hug and loving welcome. She really does want to know “if grandma is feeling better?” or, “how their soccer team did last night?” I believe that every child is equipped with a sensor that detects whether a teacher’s love is genuine or just for show. Nancy’s is real – it’s big, it’s bold, it’s enveloping – and that’s why she serves as a Pied Piper of Learning. She is Mary Poppins, Tinkerbell, and the Unsinkable Molly Brown rolled into one! She’s a rare woman and we are all enriched to know her.
Michelle Kern, Friend and Colleague
I have been a friend and colleague of Nancy’s for more than 25 years. Our journey began at Grove Avenue School where our lives as teachers intertwined and we became fast friends. Over decades, we spent many a late night at school laughing and talking, while eagerly preparing our classrooms in anticipation of that special first day of school or working side by side on special school projects such as the Blue Ribbon School endeavor. One of her many, amazing accomplishments at Grove was creating and directing original scripts for the theme of our school’s yearly Family Reading Program.
What I admire most about Nancy is the journey she has taken as a mother. Nancy’s decision to embrace adoption has been life-changing for her. She is a hero to me because I believe she rescued her infant daughter, Beth, soon to be 16, and her twin boys, Curtis and Ben, now 13. I was there the night Nancy and her husband, Chris, arrived home from China with their beautiful baby girl. I have witnessed the happiness and joy she has breathed into the lives of her three amazing children. Nancy surrounds them with her nurturing love, kindness and patience. She has inspired many other parents to adopt, giving them guidance and support through their journeys.
Beth Kontney, Daughter
My Mom is extremely special. She is the kind of mom that any teenager would want. She is very good with all my friends, girl or guy, and they all love her. She is the “fun mom” but also the protective mom. She has the gift to connect with people, young or old. When people meet her, they want to be by her because she is always positive, friendly and energetic. My Mom’s personality is contagious. My Mom is an outstanding mom. When I go to my Mom’s school I can see just how much her students love and adore her. My mom is an excellent advice-giver. I can always count on her to help me. My mom always puts 100 percent effort in everything she does. My Mom has helped me become the person I am today. She has taught me to be outgoing, caring, and compassionate. She’s my role model Mom.
Chris Kontney, Husband
As my wife of 21 years and the mother to our three wonderful children – Beth, 15 (adopted from China) and our twins Ben and Curt, 13 (adopted from Korea), I am amazed every day at how giving Nancy is. She has the gift of being an exceptional wife, mother, sister, daughter, teacher, volunteer and friend to many, and does so with always putting others first. She has been blessed with the gift of making every person she comes in contact with know they are special. Simply put, she is the person that others want to be around, the teacher every kid wants, and the individual everyone remembers. She is a leader, a doer and always puts kids first. When it comes to her family, Nancy is devoted, caring and generous. As an educator, she is 100 percent kid-centered and community engaged.
Dr. Tom Leonard, Superintendent of Barrington 220 School District
Nancy Kontney exemplifies the best of the teaching profession. She is an amazing educator and a master at meeting both the academic and emotional needs of her students. Nancy is a bundle of energy in the classroom. Whether she is teaching kindergarteners or fifth-graders, she connects with each child, she makes learning fun and she creates a classroom where achievement is the main objective.
I have known many teachers in my career and I can say Nancy ranks among the very best. A consummate professional, all who work with her are inspired by her work ethic, her expertise and her vibrant personality. For Nancy, teaching is both her vocation and her passion. Our students, parents, and community should be proud she chooses Barrington 220 as the place to share her talents.
Terri Norris, Friend
Nancy Kontney and I have been dear friends for nine years. We met when our daughters were in Girl Scout Daisy’s together. Our friendship has grown, and so have the friendships between our families.
Everyone loves Nancy. Her sense of humor and zest for life are contagious. Nancy is a devoted parent to three wonderful children. When she sees one of her former students, their faces light up. My children view Nancy as a second mom. Some of my family’s fondest memories are snow days at the Kontney house. Nancy would share her home and the day would be spent playing in the snow and having fun. Nancy saw these days as an opportunity to unite friends, family, neighbors and their children. Nancy has a sense of community. I could not ask for a better friend.
Yani Ornelas, Student
Hi. My name is Yanira Ornelas. I am seven. My family and friends call me Yani.
Mrs. Kontney called me Yani-boo. She and I met at Woodland School where I went for preschool and kindergarten. Mrs. Kontney was the greatest and best kindergarten teacher I ever had. She is very special to me because she took her time to come to visit me at my house. At first, I was surprised. I had no clue that she was coming to visit me. I was shocked that my kindergarten teacher came to my house. Mrs. Kontney loved my room, I think because my room is hot pink, and maybe her favorite color is hot pink. Mrs. Kontney is special because she loves to spend lots of time with her students and of course, with me.
Lillian Ries, Mother, 83 Years of Age
Nancy has wanted to be a teacher all her life. I fondly remember our basement being transformed into a classroom complete with chalkboard and worksheets when she was about six years old. I could hear her “teaching” the neighbor kids with her teacher voice. Somehow we acquired desks from one of the schools where I was the speech pathologist and they found their way into her “classroom”. The kids used them for years.
Nancy has always worked hard. She has been a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, college alumni committee member, actress in local Barrington productions, and adoption spokesperson. Her kids are blessed to have a mom who is so involved in all that they do. She spends a big part of her day driving her kids here and there along with many of their friends. She is “with it”! Her kids think she is a little crazy as she sings in the car.
I am a proud mother! It has been my delight to watch her grow into an excellent teacher, energetic mother, and endearing daughter.
Meredith Ries, Niece and Goddaughter
Nancy is one of the most loving people that I know. Whether she is spending time with close family or people that she has just met, she always knows how to make others feel comfortable and special. She has an infectious personality that allows her to connect with anyone that she meets. A few years ago, Nancy taught Kindergarten at a school where most students’ first language
was Spanish. Nancy has never studied Spanish. That year Nancy made a point to travel to each students’ home and read them a bedtime story (often times arriving in her own pajamas!). She allowed those kids to have an experience they will never forget! I will never forget her generosity and how often she puts her own life on hold in order to benefit others. Nancy is such a blessing.
Louise Robb, Retired Assistant Superintendent
When I was principal of Sunny Hill Elementary School, I honored Nancy’s request to join our staff. I believe Nancy to be a phenomenal educator, as the Golden Apple Foundation agreed. She does not speak Spanish, nor had she worked in a high-poverty environment, but her ability to connect with students and their families is amazing. Nancy embraces people with respect and love which transcends both language and culture. As an example of a simple but powerful protocol, she would make five phone calls home each night while emptying her dishwasher to connect with families. By the end of the week, she had spoken with every family. When her fifth-graders got to middle school, she organized her team to go over to their new school to visit to show support for them in this new, wider world. When she switched to kindergarten, she would make home visits in her pajamas to read to her students. As she journeyed through the rigorous Golden Apple process, her parents were her most enthusiastic supporters. Nancy makes a difference every day.
Stephanie Skopek, Friend
When I met Nancy seven years ago, she was my daughter’s kindergarten teacher. My youngest daughter, Alexandra, became her student the following year and since then Nancy and I have become friends, sharing a passion for helping children and advocating for their education.
It was a proud moment when Nancy received the Golden Apple Teaching award a couple of years ago. I was honored to interview on her behalf. There was an interpreter present for the parents that spoke Spanish, but translation seemed unnecessary. We all recognized the same accounts of Nancy realizing each child’s potential, identifying their unique talents and encouraging their success. She is humble about that award accepting it not for her own accolades, but for her students and her school. That’s just who she is.
Don Wink, Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Atonement
I met Nancy the first Sunday that she and her family walked into our church. Often, first-time guests are reserved, even guarded, not sure how much of themselves they want to be let known. That was not Nancy. Nancy sought me out afterward and said that when I had said our relationship to God is that of fully-adopted children, she knew that Atonement would be a good place for her children and for her husband Chris and herself. She then spent a bit of time visiting with many of our people who knew her as a teacher. Nancy is not a wallflower.
Not long afterward, Nancy left Grove Avenue School for Sunny Hill. I think that she felt this as a calling within a calling, not only to pour her life into teaching, but to pour her life into teaching kids to whom she might make a life-changing difference. And anyone who stands in the way of those things happening will have to contend with quite a force. They will either be won over by her enthusiasm or worn down by her tenacity. The Barrington area is a better place for her many years of service.
Amanda Dee is a senior at Barrington High School this fall where she will pursue an interest in teaching through an English teaching assistant program.
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