Teacher of the year honored

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Carmela Dellino was “shocked.”

During a showcase of student work at the Shoreline Center with her family and peers Monday evening, Dellino, a counselor at Shorewood High School, was named Teacher of the Year for the Shoreline School District. In addition to the award, the Shoreline Foundation gave Dellino a $1,000 grant to use for professional development.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was very proud,” Dellino said.

Principal John Green spoke of Dellino’s tough work ethic and equally tough love for her students.

“She’s there before I am in the morning, and if I am feeling sorry for myself for having to stay late, I can always console myself by stopping by Carmela’s office to say good night, because she’ll still be working away,” Green said.

“And, you always see kids walk out of her office standing a little taller,” Green said.

Dellino, 46, has been a counselor at Shorewood for nine years. She also serves as the head of the counseling department, is a part of the Creating a World of Difference club at Shorewood, the District Diversity Committee and is on the board for First Book, a non-profit organization that helps deliver books to teens.

Dellino worked as a teacher for a little more than six years before deciding that what she really wanted to do was work with students in a counseling environment.

“It was a natural progression for me. The most important thing in my heart is working with students to totally develop in a positive way,” Dellino said. “Students are not just academic isolates – they are human beings.”

Dellino also said the award was “humbling.”

“I am just a part of this, and being a teacher is a way of life. Every breath you take is making sure that every single student, regardless of background, has an opportunity to learn and excel and develop total being.”

“And I really do think we are the lucky ones on this planet for having this job.”