Veteran West teacher, April Schermann was recently named 2023’s Computer Science Teacher of the Year by a nonprofit organization called Project Lead the Way.

With her passion for teaching only starting after her high school career, Schermann has taught at Normal West High school for more than 20 years and continues to share her love of STEM with students and other teachers.

“I’m still going to do the job that I do. It’s just a nice recognition to have for the hard work that you put in,” Schermann noted about winning the prestigious award.

Through her humble approach to this monumental award, Schermann recognizes that it is a team-oriented process that has ultimately paid off.

Schermann, West Principal Angie Codron and a student all had to submit letters for Schermann’s nomination.

Schermann is no stranger to winning awards for her craft. In fact, she was recognized for the outstanding STEM teacher award in 2016, and the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NC WIT) Aspirations in Computing Educator Award for six consecutive years.

Ms. Codron is impressed but not surprised with Schermann’s latest award and recognition.

“April values teaching and coaching as she manages to fit in being our Softball coach as well since the start of her educational career at Normal West,” Codron boasts of her coach and teacher.

“We are proud of April and what she brings to every student and colleague she interacts with at West,” Codron adds.

West is certainly lucky to have Schermann to help “lead the way” for the students and staff.