Social studies teacher Seth Brady was named Far Western Suburbs Teacher of the Year, but it is not about the personal recognition, rather the community that shaped him.
Brady, who teaches social studies classes such as Humanities Capstone at Naperville Central, received the regional honor on Feb. 11.
“I think any award is a reflection of the many people who have supported a person over the course of their life and career,” Brady said. “For me, this award reminds me of how many people have supported me over time and support me every day, especially my family and my colleagues and leaders at Central.”
While the title recognizes his impact in the classroom, Brady views it as a shared accomplishment; one rooted in collaboration, mentorship and the support that he receives daily from those around him.
“I have been fortunate to be a part of educational opportunities that provide opportunities for students to exercise agency — meaning they get to act [in] the world to make positive changes in the real world,” Brady said. “These opportunities have allowed students, to do some pretty amazing things outside the traditional, four walls of the classroom!”
Students say that emphasis on agency is matched by a personal investment in their growth. Senior Ellen Small sees Brady’s dedication firsthand.
“The thing that sets Brady apart from every other teacher I’ve had is his genuine care and compassion for his students,” Small said. “He supports us all in anything we want to accomplish and I have never had a teacher who seems to actually care so wholeheartedly.”
Even with praise from students and colleagues, Brady is hesitant to frame his career in terms of legacy.
“I’m not sure that teachers really have legacies at schools,” Brady said. “I believe the role of a teacher is to educate students and help each student reach their highest potential and perhaps find passion or unlock capacities they did not know they had.”
Still, if his impact lasts beyond his years at Central, Brady hopes it will be reflected in the lives his students lead.
“If there is anything like a legacy,” Brady said, “my hope is that the students I’ve had will go on to live lives characterized by caring for others and making our world a better place.”
For Small, that impact is already clear.
“If you have the chance, take a class that he teaches,” Small said. “He shaped the way that I think about things and my wanting [to learn].”
