THE TOM TODD AWARD

As a graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island Illinois, Tom Todd began his teaching career at a middle school in Iowa.  Two years later he moved on to teaching science at Kaneland High School.  In 1987 Tom started as a science teacher in District 200 at Wheaton Central High School.  One year later he was named the girls head Track & Field Coach.  Tom moved with the Tigers to Wheaton Warrenville South High School in 1992 where he worked as physics and earth/space science teacher for 22 years.  In 2000, Tom gave up his track coaching duties to spend more time with his three sons.  He continued his involvement in track and field as an IHSA official eventually becoming one of the most respected officials in the state.  In the late 90’s Tom began his journey as an innovative science instructor when he attended what was called a “modeling” workshop in River Falls, Wisconsin.  Tom returned to South as a pioneer in this type of instruction.  Eventually he became a workshop leader, facilitating workshops at the college level.  Tom’s final time as a teacher at South was serving as workshop co-leader at the Summer Midwest Science Modeling Institute.  In his years teaching science Tom instructed or coached over 7,000 students.