North Royalton City Schools is proud to announce that Rachael Sladky, English language arts teacher at North Royalton High School, has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year. A passionate educator and tireless advocate for her students, Rachael exemplifies the very best in teaching, innovation, and community leadership.
Sladky’s transformative impact on education is evident in every aspect of her work. Recognizing the growing population of English Language Learners (ELL) in the District, she has expanded her teaching expertise to meet their evolving needs. Her commitment to inclusive and equitable education has led to the development of a comprehensive ELL support program that not only enhances academic achievement but also promotes the well-being of students.
Through creative curriculum development and personalized instruction, Rachael ensures that all students—particularly those navigating language barriers—feel empowered and understood. Her Friday Social Learning sessions have become a cornerstone of her classroom, helping Level 1 and Level 2 ELL students build confidence, reframe negative thoughts, and set meaningful personal goals. One student shared, “Ms. Sladky made me believe in myself. She didn’t just teach me English; she taught me how to learn.”
Sladky’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. She is known for her proactive collaboration with colleagues, regularly organizing cross-curricular meetings to create shared resources that support ELL learners across all subjects. Her recent faculty presentation, “Practical Strategies for Supporting ELL Students in the Mainstream Classroom,” was widely praised for its clarity, impact, and immediate applicability. The presentation inspired changes in teaching practices throughout the school and demonstrated her exceptional leadership and commitment to professional development.
Beyond her academic role, Rachael is a volunteer golf coach and advisor for the school’s Mock Trial team, where she mentors more than 20 students in critical thinking and public speaking. She also organizes extracurricular activities and an annual awards assembly specifically for ELL students, celebrating their achievements and fostering a deeper sense of belonging.
Rachael’s efforts to understand and embrace her students' diverse backgrounds are unmatched. From collaborating with translators and parents to attending professional development programs like Immigrant Connections, she consistently works to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive.
"Rachael Sladky is the embodiment of 'The Bear Way,'" said a fellow educator. "She inspires and empowers not just her students, but her colleagues as well. Her leadership, empathy, and drive make her an irreplaceable part of our school community."
North Royalton City Schools congratulates Rachael Sladky on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her unwavering dedication to excellence in education.
Special thanks to First Federal of Lakewood for providing a monetary gift to the Teacher of the Year for classroom supplies.
