Some students have trouble equating math class to fun, but the association seems natural when it comes to John Byrne's class. Since joining the Glenbrook North staff in 1986, Mr. Byrne has consistently brought compassion and excitement to his classes. "I don't think I have ever walked out of his class without smiling at least once." Glenbrook faculty and students still reminisce about when Mr. Byrne's math class won the annual canned food drive, and he kept his promise to shave half his mustache and dress as a woman for the day. In addition to sharing his love of math with students, Mr. Byrne is well-known as a football, basketball, and track coach here at GBN. His performances with his math colleagues in the annual variety show were highlights for the audience and Mr. Byrne. Lest it appear that Mr. Byrne was admired only for his ability to make students laugh, his genuine care for his students' success and well-being came through in descriptions of his teaching. "He wanted to help, he wanted us to learn, understand, and do well... he feels that taking time out to help others is part of his job." Whether he was rearranging personal or coaching obligations to meet with a student in need, setting up special study sessions at the Northbrook Public Library during finals week, or serving as an adult leader at Snowball, "Mr. Byrne goes out of his way to offer his services." When asked about his favorite part of teaching, Mr. Byrne responds, "Seeing a student understand a difficult concept or finally solve a tough problem is probably my fondest memory." A former student shared the poem Mr. Byrne wrote for his class just before summer break: "You want to tell them that you care about them and you want them to excel in your class. You want to tell them they are capable of so much... to have fun... Laugh... Do not be afraid to take risks ." It is not difficult to understand why students feel that Mr. Byrne's unique approach "touches" their lives in a way they "will never forget."

Degrees: M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois, Chicago 
B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois