November Notes: Gratitude for the Voices of Future and Early-Career Educators

November has been filled with gratitude for our educators! Each connection with current and future educators reminded me how incredibly fortunate we are to have such amazing individuals shaping education in our state. This month was particularly special, as I had the privilege of connecting with over 350 high school students aspiring to become educators, 150 preservice teachers preparing to enter the classroom, and more than 150 educators in their first or second year of teaching. Listening to the stories of high school students aspiring to careers in education, along with preservice and early-career educators, about their school experiences and what draws them to this profession has been a powerful reminder that their voices are essential in shaping the future of education. Their passion is inspiring and underscores the importance of creating opportunities to center their perspectives and learn from their experiences. Together, we can grow our profession and ensure it attracts talented, dedicated individuals. Below, I’ve shared the highlights of this month—a journey filled with lessons, appreciation, and hope for the future.

November 4: North Cook County ISC - At the North Cook County ISC, I joined a collaborative networking event for DEIB directors across the region. Sharing my story and learning about their efforts to foster belonging was invigorating. The deep discussions left me hopeful about the strides being made in creating inclusive spaces for every student and educator across the northern suburbs of our state! 

November 4: Cowlishaw Elementary School, Naperville - Returning to my school district, IPSD204, to lead a World Café on belonging was a special moment. The staff of Cowlishaw Elementary shared honest reflections on their strengths and challenges in fostering belonging for educators in their school. Together, they generated thoughtful, actionable steps to create a more inclusive school community for each other.

November 6: Downers Grove North High School- I had the privilege of joining a "Future Teachers" class at Downers Grove North High School. Their enthusiasm and insightful questions about teaching reaffirmed my belief in the next generation of educators. Engaging in this dialogue highlighted the importance of mentorship in shaping future teachers. Huge shout out to Mr. Mike Melie and Dr. Frank Piekarz who teach this class!

November 8: Project LEAD, ISU @ Bloomington-Normal- This day was filled with inspiration as I delivered a keynote, From Your Story to Your Classroom: SHAPEing the Teacher Leader You Will Become, to pre-service teacher leaders from seven universities. Hearing their personal stories and participating in discussions with teacher leaders reinforced my faith in the impact of shared experiences on teacher leadership. In the afternoon, I was joined by my colleagues Jacqueline San Diego 2024 Special Education Teacher of the Year and Bryn Zingrebe 2024 Outstanding Early Career Educator, as well as Dr. Katherine Bruemmer 2023 East Central Regional Teacher, and Melissa Murray Techplus fellow in a panel on teacher leadership.

November 9-10: Teach Plus Conference- Over the weekend, I collaborated with educators at the Teach Plus conference to explore the power of writing Op-Eds for advocacy. My working group focused on elevating teacher leadership as a budget priority in Illinois. It was empowering to learn how storytelling can influence policy and inspire change.

November 11: Peoria School Visits and St. Ambrose University, Moline IA- In Peoria, I toured six schools with district leaders, recognizing teachers who excel at fostering belonging. The news even joined us for a surprise visit! Check out the video! Meeting Kim Thomas, the 2016 Illinois Teacher of the Year, was a highlight. That evening, I shared my keynote and led a storytelling workshop with preservice teachers at St. Ambrose University, emphasizing the role of personal narratives in shaping classrooms.

November 12: Plainfield School District 202- Facilitating a World Café in my own children’s district was a unique and heartfelt experience. Bringing together educators, parents, administrators, and students who discussed meaningful and thoughtful actions for increasing belonging deepened my pride for the school district my children attend. We celebrated nine educators who exemplify belonging, a powerful reminder of the difference teachers make daily. I was honored to be joined by my ILSTOY family Jacqueline San Diego 2024 Special Education Teacher of the Year and Bryn Zingrebe 2024 Outstanding Early Career Educator, and 1997 Teacher of the Year and Chairman of ISBE, Dr. Steven Isoye. 

November 15: Future Teachers Conference- At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, I facilitated a World Café with over 300 high school students who are passionate about entering the teaching profession! Their energy and ideas for improving education were inspiring. Centering their voices reminded me of the importance of nurturing our future educators, right from high school, to shape a better future for education. Check out the article here!

November 19: Aurora University- Alongside Brynn Zingrebe, the Outstanding Early Career Educator, I spoke to preservice teachers pursuing ELL endorsements. Sharing our personal and professional stories encouraged students to reflect on their identities and how these experiences shape their teaching philosophies.

November 21: IEA Coaching & Mentoring Program- Speaking to new teachers and virtual mentors through the IEA program was a moment of connection and hope. Sharing the message of collective responsibility in building belonging reminded me of the power of mentorship in shaping positive school cultures. We honored two mentors that are working to increase belonging with our newest teachers in the profession: Katie Popp and Dawn Evans!

November 21: North Central College, Naperville IL - Closing the day with graduate students pursuing administration degrees, we discussed redefining parental involvement to honor diverse cultural understandings. It was an enlightening conversation that deepened my appreciation for the complexities of leadership in fostering belonging.

I wake up every morning and can’t wait to start the day. I am thankful for the opportunity to connect with so many dedicated individuals who are committed to shaping education into a space where every student and teacher not only feels a sense of belonging, but also is a leader in creating those spaces. Moving forward, I remain grateful for the stories, lessons, and passion we share as we work together to build a brighter future for our schools and communities.