Mr. Adam Rudar, recently featured as the new IB coordinator for NDA, is back in the Tritonian for being recognized as a Teacher of Distinction by the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce.
The recognition honors educators for their impact in the classroom and dedication to students.
According to Rudar, the process began after students at NDA nominated him.
Candidates then advanced through an application process evaluated anonymously by a committee.
“The process started by being nominated by an NDA student. Then, of the candidates, I was one of the people advanced to the next step by the administration,” said Rudar.
Rudar said the recognition was especially meaningful because it came from both students and the greater community.
“I was really honored to be nominated by students. Seeing my face with so many great NDA teachers really gives me a sense of pride,” he said.
Rudar remembers the experience as a special moment not only for himself, but for NDA.
“Teaching at NDA is really special because I know the experience and quality of teachers we have here. Being selected as a teacher of distinction by the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce is special because it is an outside recognition of being a quality educator and a chance to represent our school,” said Rudar.
The awards ceremony took place on April 22 during a formal dinner event honoring Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple recipients.
“Some of my NDA teacher friends were able to join and support me that night,” Rudar said.
Rudar currently teaches social studies courses, including Intro to Psychology, IB/Modern Psychology, Intro to Social Studies and Global Politics.
He said his inspiration to become a teacher came from educators he had growing up.
“I was inspired by Mrs. Motley and Mr. Bertrand, two of my middle school English teachers. They both really looked out for me, connected and inspired me,” Rudar said.
Rudar is pursuing a doctorate in Leadership at Concordia University, with a focus on Innovation and Continuous Improvement.
“It is an interdisciplinary focus, which means it brings together Education, Psychology, and Organization Leadership, Business/Improvement, Technology and other fields,” he explained.
Stepping into a new leadership role as the school’s IB coordinator, Rudar said, “I am really excited about this, as it will be an opportunity for me to grow and use different skills.”
The newly recognized teacher said he was especially honored to join the ranks of other NDA Teachers of Distinction recipients like Mrs. Andrea Gilson, Mrs. Joy Mayer, Ms. Tina Harpold, Mrs. Andrea Hearden and Sra. Amy Stover.
He also cited Mrs. Caitlin VandenWyngaard, NDA’s Golden Apple winner in 2024, only the second such recipient in the school’s history.
