One Tuesday morning in October, Cristo Rey St. Martin physics teacher, Kumkum Bonnerjee, received a thick envelope and package from her fellow science teacher, Chris Call. Initially thinking it was more paperwork, Kumkum was less than thrilled to have it on her desk. Upon opening the package, Kumkum was pleasantly surprised to find an enclosed certificate and note stating she had been nominated for and won a prestigious award from the University of Chicago! Accompanying this wonderful news was a beautiful glass trophy recognizing her accomplishment. Kumkum discovered she was a recipient of the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award from the University of Chicago. Also written on her award letter was a quote from the former CRSM student who nominated her, Cristian Garcia, stating “I think you truly deserve this for all you’ve done for me and all your students”.
Kumkum, known for her challenging, yet supportive approach as an educator, reflected on this honor and expressed how proud she was to be a CRSM physics teacher and to be part of such a remarkable community of students and teachers.
She humbly acknowledges, “I did not win this award alone, it was a community cultivated effort”. This sentiment is demonstrated daily by the CRSM community, where mutual support is integral to our success. Kumkum extends her gratitude to “the entire math department for this award”, as she often collaborates with the math teachers regarding curriculum. Kumkum cannot emphasize enough how proud she is of her students, and wants to thank and acknowledge them for always “rising above, even when faced with demanding coursework”. Special thanks are reserved for Cristian Garcia, who remembered the impact she had on him during his time as a student, and took the time and made the effort to nominate Kumkum.
Kumkum asserts that, “teaching is [her] favorite job [she’s] had.” Prior to her 17-year-long term at CRSM as a teacher, she worked in the corporate world. Kumkum regards our school as something extraordinary, emphasizing how “the faculty are always supported by the administration and by one another.” This is a quality that sets our institution apart from others.
Receiving this award has deeply moved Kumkum. It has prompted her “to reflect on [her] teaching journey” and recognize the strides she’s made as an educator and motivator for her students. She exclaims, “the students are the best portion of my job. They constantly rise above my expectations, and perform their very best in difficult subjects like physics.” This award is a wonderful testament to how educators really do have lasting impacts on students, and that students benefit greatly from a supportive environment. Congratulations Kumkum Bonnerjee, you are more than deserving of this award!