Glen Crest Middle School physical education teacher Corey Toppel is the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce CCSD 89 Educator of the Year. At the Community Awards Banquet on March 1, Toppel will be honored by the Chamber for making Glen Ellyn a better place to live, learn, and work.
At Glen Crest, Toppel is known for his willingness to mentor new teachers and his commitment to leading physical education classes where every child can have success. He designs lessons that allow students to set their own goals and show continuous improvement.
“He makes sure there’s something for everyone - not just the athletes,” said Glen Crest Principal Kim Price. “Corey is always looking for ways to do what is best for kids.”
Growing up near Larkin High School, Toppel enjoyed attending high school athletic events. He was taking business classes at Elgin Community College - while also playing on the school’s baseball and basketball teams - when he decided wanted to pursue a career in teaching.
After four years of substitute teaching in another district, Toppel started at Glen Crest in 1990. He has taught physical education every year except one, when he taught social studies. He has also coached boys volleyball, girls volleyball, track and field, basketball, and intramurals at Glen Crest.
“He keeps it fun and interesting for the students,” Price said. “He understands that school is not only books and lessons; there is more to educating the whole child.”
As part of a class unit on golf, Toppel takes students to a nearby course to practice on real greens. Toppel runs an intramural bowling team so students can use their skills at an alley.
“I really enjoy teaching kids technique, sportsmanship, and strategies in games,” Toppel said.
For 13 years, Toppel has also organized the school’s Pumpkin Run. Each October, students and community members of all ages run the 3.5-kilometer course to raise money for athletic equipment.
Toppel was humbled by the honor and gave credit to the students, his co-workers, and CCSD 89 families.
“The people that I’ve taught with are all awesome and the parents are very supportive of what we do,” he said.