Tis the Season To Collaborate, Elevate, and Celebrate with Educators, Students, and Our Communities

This December, our continued efforts in fostering conversations about belonging in schools were affirmed with 25 World Cafés completed across Illinois! From early-career teachers navigating their first year to middle school and high school students sharing their experiences, the world cafes were a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we prioritize creating spaces for open dialogue. Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive school communities—one conversation at a time. Here are some highlights from this month.

December 3, 2024 – IEA Mentor Program: I facilitated a virtual World Café with nearly 80 early-career teachers and their mentors from the Illinois Education Association (IEA). We discussed the challenges and triumphs of fostering belonging during their first year of teaching, with participants representing schools from every corner of the state.

December 4, 2024 – Maine West High School: I observed a student panel of articulate juniors and seniors who shared candid feedback with educators about their school experiences. Later, I shared my student story and facilitated a World Café between staff, administration, and students on creating belonging. The day concluded with a heartfelt ceremony honoring four educators who excel in fostering inclusion.

December 6, 2024 – Macomb Middle School: I visited Macomb Middle School, the westernmost school I’ve toured this year. There, 7th and 8th-grade student council members engaged alongside teachers, administrators, and parents in a World Café, sharing ideas to enhance belonging for all students. We recognized 4 amazing educators! Click here to see pics!

December 9, 2024 – Arlington Heights School District: I met with the newly established equity team in Arlington Heights, exchanging ideas and strategies for building a foundation of belonging in their district.

December 10, 2024 – Lyons Township High School: Lyons Township High School hosted a day-long series of World Cafés, where students from all grade levels gathered each period to discuss and brainstorm ways to increase belonging across their campuses.

December 11, 2024 – Highland Elementary School, Downers Grove: I revisited my former elementary school to lead a mock trial lesson, “The Trial of T. Ricky Fox vs. the State of Illinois.” It was a nostalgic and meaningful experience to connect with my 6th-grade teacher, co-teach a lesson together, and get back into the classroom with some much-needed time with students.

December 12, 2024 – Multilingual and ESSA Conference: At the IRC’s Multilingual and ESSA Conference, I presented the keynote on my journey and the insights I’ve gathered through World Cafés across Illinois. In a breakout session, I provided a hands-on demonstration of organizing a World Café, helping over 60 participants network and strategize for increasing belonging in their districts.

December 13, 2024 – Northern Illinois University: I delivered the keynote speech, “From Your Story to Your Classroom,” at NIU’s send-off for graduating preservice educators. Touring the campus in a cozy golf cart, I reconnected with former professors and staff, reflecting on my own journey since earning my Ed.D. there in 2016. Click here to see some pictures of the event!

December 16, 2024- The Council of Chief State School Officers:

The month ended with an amazing opportunity to meet the 56 talented educators in the 2025 NTOY Cohort which I will have the opportunity to learn bedside over the next year. It was fun meeting each other and learning about the National Teacher of the Year program. Learn more about the National Teacher of the Year program at https://ntoy.ccsso.org/