"As a special education teacher working with some of our students with the highest needs, you need somebody who is an advocate for you. He sees his kids' strengths, whereas others may be the first to notice deficits. He is their cheerleader, he advocates for them, he fills such an important role at this building, because we have students who need him." -Kylene Wolfe, assistant principal at Unity Junior High School, on AIP teacher William Dahms

For as long as Unity has been open — 23 years — William Dahms has worked to help the school's special education students learn, grow and thrive. 

From years of compassion in the classroom to countless hours on the road with the District's Special Olympics teams, Dahms has proven time and time again that with the right teacher investment, students with some of the most challenging needs can not only survive in a traditional school setting, but blossom.

Because of his outstanding dedication to the many students, families and colleagues he's served over two decades in Cicero, Dahms was recognized at last week's Board of Education meeting as one of D99's Very Own.

Click here to watch his story.