Chris Barnitt Receives University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award

An Outstanding Educator shapes young minds in meaningful ways—thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom. Each year, newly admitted UChicago students have the opportunity to reflect on their time in high school and nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education, made a positive impact in their lives, and whose influence has brought them to where they are today.

 

Chris has been a dedicated and faithful school counselor for 29 years, returning to his alma mater upon graduating Georgetown University in 1992. In addition to his current position as director of School Counseling, Chris is also the head coach of the Cross Country program.

 

“Chris is everything rolled up into one. He is an outstanding counselor, teacher, coach, listener and speaker,” stated President Msgr. Michael E. Kelly ’57.  “Chris is an exceptional role model for our students.”

 

“I remember coaching Chris his freshmen year when he played football. Chris has always been a caring person who looks out for the good of others,” said Headmaster Michael G. Gallo ’79. “He is a natural counselor. We are proud to have him lead our Counseling department”

 

Chris and his wife Heather live in South Orange and have two daughters, Quinn and Egan, who both spent over 10 years performing in Seton Hall Prep’s theatre productions.

 

The University of Chicago is honored to recognize excellence in teaching and sincerely congratulates this year’s Outstanding Educator Award winners, who are exceptional in their field and role models for all students. The University deeply appreciates the lively minds who thirst for knowledge that these educators have nurtured and inspired. We thank them for going above and beyond the call of duty every day and leaving an impression that will be carried over a lifetime. All award winners receive a commemorative award, certificate, and letter that includes details from the student they were nominated by.