Arbor View Elementary School instructional coach Nick Ludolph is the Community Consolidated School District 89 Educator of the Year. At the Glen Ellyn Community Awards on March 10, Ludolph will be honored by the Chamber of Commerce for making Glen Ellyn a better place to live, learn, and work.
Ludolph started his educational career in 2018 as a classroom aide in District 200. He joined CCSD 89 as a long-term substitute teacher at Arbor View in 2019. He then taught third grade at Arbor View for the next five years.
This is Ludolph’s second year as an instructional coach in CCSD 89. In that role, he works with students and teachers across all grade levels to strengthen instructional practices.
“Nick brings such a calm energy to learning,” said Arbor View principal Dawn McCray. “He leads by example. Colleagues welcome him into their classrooms to share his expertise in instruction to improve student outcomes.”
Ludolph is known for being always open to new ideas and willing to jump in.
“We are so fortunate to have Nick Ludolph as an educator in District 89,” said CCSD 89 superintendent Doug Eccarius. “Nick is a dedicated, hard-working, and passionate educator who consistently goes above and beyond to support the students and staff in our district.”
Ludolph’s three younger siblings inspired his excitement for working with kids. When he took the “Education 101” class at College of DuPage, he knew he had found the right career.
“As a child, I always admired my teachers who made me feel special and expressed their belief in me,” Ludolph said. “I was excited to have the chance to help students feel seen and give them the opportunity to enjoy school.”
Ludolph was shocked when McCray and CCSD 89 superintendent Doug Eccarius surprised him to let him know he had been selected as Educator of the Year. (Watch video of Ludolph being notified)
“I never envisioned myself getting this recognition,” he said. “In my instructional coaching role, I just enjoy being helpful to my colleagues, whether it’s a small task or a more complex one.”
Ludolph gave credit for the award to other educators, both at Arbor View and at home.
“I’m really grateful for everyone I work with at Arbor View and across the district. There are so many people who have given me the confidence to be myself and trust my instincts,” he said.
He also credits his wife, a junior high teacher in Woodridge, for consistently inspiring him.
“I learn from her strategies and insights all the time,” he said.