Richard Toppe
Brookview Elementary, Rockford, IL
Second grade

B.S. in social work | University of Illinois
M.A.T. | Rockford College

Richard Toppe didn’t start out as a teacher. Instead, he became a social worker, helping troubled youths – who had lived lives filled with crime, abuse, drugs, and poor school performance -- at Rockford’s Rosecrance facility. But after five years, Toppe was frustrated. “I sensed we were often too late to influence the kind of changes the boys needed to make.”

Toppe then decided to emulate his wife, also a teacher, and switched professions. By laying the groundwork for children in elementary school, he believes he can make more of a difference in their lives.

Each morning, Toppe greets his second-graders with a handshake and personal hello. Each child has a job in the classroom and must report on it in class. Lessons are planned to actively involve all students. Toppe also includes families by phoning them to welcome their children to school, plus sends weekly newsletters with his home phone number. He attends most PTO meetings and school family nights, from Fun Fairs to Y nights.

During his 29 years in education, Toppe has mentored many student teachers – but is most proud of a new teacher he influenced in another way. His daughter recently began teaching in West Virginia.