Gatta Named Educator of the Year by Illinois Crime Commission

Gatta Named Educator of the Year by Illinois Crime Commission 

Niles Township High School District 219 Superintendent Nanciann Gatta has been named Educator of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Commission /Police Athletic League of Illinois. Gatta was honored at the commission’s annual awards dinner on June 20 at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace.

Gatta was recognized, among other accomplishments, for the effective partnerships D219 has established with local law enforcement agencies, social service agencies and youth advocates to reach out to youth and prevent crime, through such initiatives as the Niles Township Youth Coalition. The coalition meets monthly to share information related to challenges facing young people in Niles Township. The coalition has been cited as a model of interagency cooperation, instituting such pro-active programs as an alternative-to-suspension program that encourages at-risk youth to provide community service while they stay in school.

Gatta was also recognized for the district’s ongoing efforts to reach out to Niles Township’s diverse constituencies, including a large immigrant community; families of D219 students speak more than 80 different languages.  

In accepting the award, Gatta told the audience, “What we have learned in partnering with all of my colleagues in education, law enforcement, government and social services agencies is that schools are safe, not through heavy police presence or metal detectors.  Schools are safe when students connect to at least one adult and one program that gives them a sense of belonging and pride.”

Gatta was one of 24 “leaders who make a difference.” Other honorees at this year’s ceremony included Chicago Police Department Superintendent Garry McCarthy, who won the Police Athletic League’s Jesse White Award and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis, who received the Award of Excellence in the Judiciary.

The Illinois Crime Commission is a not-for-profit organization committed to public safety and law enforcement.  Its goal is “ to offer insightful, creative legislative solutions and assist law enforcement agencies to prevent crime in our communities through a unique blend of awareness and activities.”