Sabrina Nevler
2025 Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year
Sabrina Nevler believes in the power of words—and she’s using them to change lives at McHenry County College.
Nevler, who has taught at MCC since 2020, was recently recognized as MCC’s 2025 Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year. The award recipients, selected by peers, are chosen based on their commitment to teaching, contribution to the college community, and professional development.
“The fact that I was nominated and selected by my colleagues makes this honor that much more meaningful,” Nevler said. “These brilliant educators inspire me with their passion every day. Being a first-generation college graduate, I feel so proud and grateful to be a part of MCC. This acknowledgement is just further confirmation that this is where I am meant to be.”
Nevler currently teaches English 151 at MCC.
“Sabrina’s work as an adjunct instructor of English embodies the tenets of excellence to which all teachers aspire,” said Dr. Joe Sullivan, Dean of Arts and Humanities at MCC. “She regularly explores emerging topics such as AI in writing instruction and maintains a dynamic and student-centered learning environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Her pedagogy is both intentional and inclusive, ensuring that students feel seen, supported, and empowered in their learning journey.”
Nevler’s inclusive, student-centered approach reflects MCC’s broader mission to transform lives through education.
“At MCC, we open the doors of possibilities for whatever goals our students want to achieve so that they can go out and strengthen our community,” she said. “Seeing students witness their own growth and find confidence in their capabilities is the most magical part about being an educator.”
Group discussions and collaborative learning are a daily occurrence in Nevler’s classroom.
“Students from all walks of life get to share their writing, exchange ideas, establish connections, and show support for one another in a way that fosters a safe learning environment where all can flourish,” she said.
Growing up with a mother who worked in early childhood education, Nevler was immersed in the world of teaching from the very beginning.
“Pretty much since birth, I was fortunate enough to tag along as her little helper,” she said. “Witnessing my mother spark curiosity in students and help them grow their skills inspired me, from a young age, to find opportunities to do the same in my community.”
When Nevler was in high school, she started choreographing and teaching dance to middle school students. That experience solidified her passion for education.
After graduating from Lake Zurich High School, Nevler earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a teacher certification from Eastern Illinois University. While teaching high school English and coaching dance, she earned her master’s degree in English from Arizona State University.
“I have always appreciated reading and been drawn to the power of words, so choosing English as my discipline was an obvious fit. Seventeen years later, being an educator has become the core of who I am.”
Nevler joined MCC at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that brought unprecedented challenges to education. But she was inspired when she saw MCC take these obstacles as an opportunity for innovation.
“More than ever before, MCC has made education more accessible to our students,” she said. “Student, faculty, and community feedback is the catalyst for continuing to harbor that innovative mindset. That type of adaptability and reflection is what excites me most about the future of our Institution.”
Nevler inspires her students to reach their fullest potential and encourages them to reduce self-limiting beliefs.
“I like to remind them of the adage, ‘Stop booing yourself off the stage before anybody has a chance to see you perform.’ I always say that the most important ‘material’ they need for class is an open mind for what they are capable of. For whatever reason, students often start a course accompanied by a self-doubting mantra of ‘I’m not good at ___.’ They expect themselves to start with all the answers and be perfect, but the entire point of enrolling in a course is to learn. Students need to give themselves the chance and grace to do just that.”
Many of Nevler’s students have gone on to become lawyers, doctors, teachers, performers, business owners, and more.
“They are lifelong learners making their mark on this world, and I could not be prouder,” she said. “My goal is that students leave my classroom feeling like they have gained confidence in the power of their words. Their words, whether spoken or written, are the tools they can use in all their career and personal endeavors as they go off into their community.”
Outside of MCC, Nevler enjoys hiking adventures with her husband and Siberian husky, dancing, reading, and making memories with family and friends.