Niles North teacher honored with award

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) -- A big surprise for a suburban teacher described as the ''heart of the school community.''

Pankaj Sharma teaches U.S. history, government, civics and more at Niles North High School in Skokie. He's one of ten recipients selected from hundreds of teachers.

Sharma will receive a sabbatical to study at Northwestern tuition free and $5,000 cash.