Ms. Santor: we celebrate you!

By Joshua Gipson

News Reporter

Students and staff at Crete-Monee High School are celebrating as our Junior English teacher Ms. Santor was officially named Teacher of the Month for October, recognizing her dedication, positive classroom energy, and the lasting positive impact she continues to make on her students throughout the 2026 school year.

English teacher Ms. Santor poses with her class upon winning October's Staff Member of the Month award. Photo courtesy of Ms. Adamow.

This monthly award session is one of the most anticipated events of the school year, giving teachers a chance to be acknowledged for their hard work, their dedication, and the importance of being a positive role model for young learners. “I think she really deserves it. Even though her work is hard, she makes the class enjoyable,” student Dmiya Sallis said. “Her personality is bubbly. You never see her in a bad mood, or a bad outfit.”

And Sallis isn't alone. Many students say Ms. Santor’s enthusiasm and support set her apart. Several describe her as a teacher who pushes them to do their best while still creating a classroom environment where they feel comfortable, motivated, and genuinely cared for.

“She supports us as students, not only from a teacher point of view, but from a more of a confident and motherly type of way,” student Erica Walker said. “She just makes us feel very welcomed, and she's just a sweet and overall bubbly person.”

And she isn't the only one who feels this way. Junior Victoria Kuelbs also praised Ms. Santor, offering heartfelt reasons why her Teacher of the month win felt so important and deserved.

“Ms. Santor's capability of understanding all students' perspectives and always being able to care for them and just always give them good advice,” Kuelbs said. “She always, like we said before, looks at other people's perspectives and viewpoints and tries to put herself in their shoes.  And I feel like that's what helps the most.”

When the results were announced, some students were surprised, while others said the outcome felt expected. Students Victoria Kleubs and Ericka Walker explained that the outcome wasn't shocking, felt expected and that she would've gotten awarded anyways.

“It wasn't too shocking because I feel like with the amount of kids who always come to visit her, she's a very well-liked and well-loved teacher. So it wasn't too shocking to me,” Kuelbs said. “I didn't vote, but the students who voted are probably juniors because I know all the juniors love her and her past students love her. So she would have got awarded either way,” Walker said.

Ultimately, the October title represents more than recognition, it highlights the positive influence Ms. Santor has on her students' lives. As junior Ericka Walker shared, she encourages everyone “to be more open and have a better mindset,” a message that continues to inspire the Crete-Monee community.