A 1999 graduate of Wardlaw-Hartridge School, who is an Edison native, was recently named a Distinguished Teacher by the Noble Network of Charter Schools in Chicago.
Benjamin Das, a band instructor at Noble’s Pritzker College Prep., will receive $10,000 annually for as long as he remains a teacher at Noble, according to information provided by Noble.
“Teaching music is the best thing I have to offer this world. I have no desire to
move up to administration or change careers,” Das said in the statement. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be honored for something you love doing and are encouraged to keep doing.”
Since graduating from Wardlaw-Hartridge, Das went on the attend the Berklee College of Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music. From there, he began his career at Pritzker College Prep, where he has served as a band instructor for the last 15 years.
When he isn’t teaching, the father of two enjoys practicing, performing and composing jazz music. His favorite professional instrument is the upright bass.
“While the Pritzker Band enjoys great results in performance and competition, it’s the process that I love the most. Those ‘lightbulb’ moments are what keep me going. I also love watching students work with each other for a common goal. It’s about character development as much as it is about music,” he said in the statement. “Most of our students are first-generation college attendees. When they graduate from our program,
they have the musical and social skills necessary to join their college ensembles and immediately fit in.”