Whether sitting at her computer checking her email, writing English notes on the chalkboard, or managing the Valparaiso High School Newspaper Staff, Gordana Sormaz strives to inspire and encourage her students to pursue their passions.
As a Journalism and English teacher at VHS, Sormaz spends her days helping students write speeches, cover stories, and learn how to communicate through the written word. She also advised the newspaper staff for several years and currently advises the yearbook staff.
The walls of her classroom are covered in posters for musicals, reproductions of classic works of art, and banners from the schools she has attended. But at the front of the room, standing out from the rest of the decorations is a brightly colored sign proclaiming: “Knowledge is Power!”
Sormaz has always loved learning about the world around her and enjoys writing about it even more. During her high school education, at none other than Valparaiso High School, Sormaz found her calling after taking part in a journalism course taught by Gloria Zimmerman (who now works as a guidance counselor at VHS).
“She sparked my interest in journalism,” said Sormaz. “I feel as though I got an excellent education at Valpo, especially in the English department.”
A Hoosier born and bred, Sormaz went on the study English and Telecommunications at Indiana University. Right out of school, before deciding to go into teaching, Sormaz worked as a journalist for the Lake County Star in Crown Point. Her editor at the star, Adele Mackanos, inspired Sormaz’s current management style.
“She had the management style I liked. She trusted people to bounce ideas off each other,” said Sormaz. “She let people have the freedom to do the stories they wanted to do. I’ve always tried to emulate her.”
Sormaz was drawn to journalism because she loves writing and understanding the world around her.
“I love talking to different people and learning about different experiences,” Sormaz said. “I like being aware of what’s happening in the community and the world.”
Sormaz believes that student publications provide a much-needed exchange of ideas while documenting the events of the year. When teaching her students how to be young reporters, Sormaz stresses the importance of personal ethics in the journalistic world.
“Responsibility is key to journalism,” said Sormaz. “You have to remember that they’re not just stories; they’re human beings.”
Sormaz enjoys her work with students, even when the job is sometimes a tough one.
“I like working with young people. I thought I would enjoy teaching, and I have. I really like watching some of them bloom and grow up as people,” Sormaz said.
She finds her work with journalism students especially rewarding.
“A journalism advisor is more than a teacher,” said Sormaz. “She’s a counselor, a baker, a surrogate mother, a diplomat, and a trouble-shooter.”
Even with these many hats to wear, Sormaz is first and foremost a teacher, and in light of the recent financial struggles plaguing local school systems, she urges parents and taxpayers alike to remember the importance of a strong education system.
“I hope that people don’t forget to support their public schools,” said Sormaz. “When the public school system fails society fails. If people are committed to education, society is better off for it.”
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