LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kenny Bae

Position: Director of Innovation and Sustainability
School: The Avery Coonley School
School District: The Avery Coonley School
City, State: Downers Grove, IL

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Kenny Bae was nominated anonymously.

Mr. Bae creates a positive classroom environment by empowering students to see themselves as innovators and changemakers. His approach blends curiosity-driven learning with real-world impact. His students don't just complete assignments; they tackle meaningful challenges in sustainability, technology, and community service.

This approach has helped his students and school earn five national awards in sustainability, including the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Award, which recognizes their leadership in environmental stewardship, health, and STEAM innovation. These accomplishments aren't just about the awards, but they show students that their ideas can have a tangible, nationally recognized impact.

By integrating hands-on projects such as robotics, coding, and environmental research, Mr. Bae empowers students to take ownership of their learning, fosters teamwork, and cultivates a culture where taking risks and learning from mistakes are celebrated. In this environment, students feel safe, valued, and motivated to make a difference.

Mr. Bae has been awarded and featured for his work, including the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from Project Green School. His work with students has been featured in Forbes Magazine, the Chicago Sun-Times, ABC7, WGN, CBS, and other prominent outlets, highlighting his impact on education and sustainability.

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Comments (9)

Max G Posted 9 months ago

Kenny and I started at Avery Coonley at around the same time. He’s been in the head of our IT department (where I primarily work) and our latest STEAM efforts. He’s always sincere in his interacts with me and I appreciate him really considering my opinions/ judgement on certain matters. Because of Kenny’s faith in me, I have been able to contribute a great deal to our school’s MakerSpace, including the acquisition of a new fleet of 3D printers at my recommendation. Kenny would never claim to have all the answers or have total understanding of any topic, but he has remained humble and open to ideas from everyone he works with. He leads by example and has committed so much time to ensuring operations at our school run smoothly. He’s helped me in the thick of it many times and is always expressing his gratitude to our Tech Team and myself. I’m very thankful to have him on our team!

Georgia Posted 9 months ago

I started working alongside Kenny only recently and consider him to be a highly capable, professional, and knowledgeable colleague. I can always learn something new when he stops by my classroom on his regular weekly visits.

Caroline Kruse Posted 10 months ago

Mr. Bae goes above and beyond to enrich the lives of students every day, taking the time to cater to each and every one of their interests and learning styles. He is consistently thinking outside of the box and teaching our kids to do the same, supporting them in all of their interests and providing the tools they need to be successful. We are very blessed to have Mr. Bae in our lives and our school community!!!

Ryan Havlick Posted 10 months ago

Kenny is an amazing person and educator who consistently gives so much of himself for his students and school. He makes a tremendous difference educating students about STEM and sustainability. Looking back over the past 3 years, he has accomplished so much by bringing numerous valuable programs to the school, including TED talks, after-school STEM clubs and classes, multiple green initiatives, a weather station, and FIRST robotics. We are so grateful for all his efforts at Avery Coonley.

Paige Wibbenmeyer Posted 10 months ago

Kenny has mentored me and guided me as a new teacher at Avery Coonley. He has supported me everyday and continues to support me in my projects. I deeply appreciate his passion and devotion to what he does for our school. I look forward to what he does next for our community, we are happy to have him!

Michelle Thompson Posted 10 months ago

I had the privilege of serving as Kenny Bae's teaching assistant when he taught Physics and Environmental Studies at Wolcott College Prep. During that time, I witnessed Kenny Bae's commitment to helping his students develop a deep curiosity about their world and the larger universe. Always someone who went the extra mile, Kenny leaned into experiential learning with his students through the development of a robust Robotics Team and by bringing TEDx to the school. Kenny Bae is an innovative educator and more than deserving of all the praise and accolades he receives.

Gerald Doyle Posted 10 months ago

Inside the Kenny’s classrooms at Wolcott College Prep — above the door frame — was a sign that read, “Leave A Better Person.” I know — that in addition to his teaching, leadership and mentoring skills — Kenny always inspired and supported his students and colleagues to become “Better People.”

Alice Locatelli Posted 10 months ago

Mr. Bae has contributed so much to my student’s learning journey. I appreciate how deeply Mr Bae understands gifted learners and his ability to connect with them and teach much needed skills like humility, graceful losing, and inspiring passion. He has made, and continues to make, a real difference in the lives of the students. Along with insuring young learners, Mr Bae’s passion for what he dos is palpable and he has bright so many awards, programs, and other forms of positive attention to his school. We are so grateful for every program or initiative he tries because it all comes from his heart and it all does so much for the school community.

Liz Joo Posted 10 months ago

Mr. Bae not only brings an incredible depth of knowledge and stays very current with that knowledge. But he also brings an enthusiasm and positivity to inspire young and older minds to want to take action and learn. He builds curiosity and achieves so much and yet he remains completely humble and kind. I wish the world were full of Kenny Baes.