It is easy to see why William Branch received the 1990-91 Illinois Teacher of the Year award for his outstanding efforts at Evanston Township High School. He brings life to such subjects as U.S. history, AfroAmerican history, public safety, and the American legal system, challenging his students to rely on teamwork to reach their goals. A strong believer in the need for bonds between education and community, Mr. Branch emphasizes volunteerism and offers a community service option for class credit in lieu of more traditional academic activities. A prominent role model for his young students, he believes it is his responsibility to "demonstrate to young people of all races, but especially to young Blacks, that success is possible within the system."
