Share Your Story by Ornella Parker

Kahd Bradley

2022-10-06 22:41:32 UTC

I want to be the best educator that I can possibly be. My students drive me. Also I just want to be an asset to my community and to continue to pour into the kids in my community. Once I get deep into my profession, I want to treat myself to a Mercedes Benz.

Onyx Donaldson

2022-10-06 22:42:25 UTC

My bestfriend from middle school and I. After losing touch for several years she ended up being my daughters teacher and we reunited. We spoke often about school and etc. one day she said our kids deserve more people who look like them and that care for them how we can. In that moment I was awaken and wanted to give that to kids with alike backgrounds and provide them with equivalent knowledge. So here I am!!

Nakita Hicks

2022-10-06 22:42:42 UTC

My kids are the driving force behind why I decided to become a teacher. I want to be a positive figure in their lives. I've also wrestled with my own personal struggles as well as the struggles of my children in terms of education. I know that there will always be students like me who will need a dedicated teacher who genuinely cares.

Max Stewart

2022-10-06 22:42:53 UTC

I myself had an IEP when I was a student. I want to give back to students what was given to me as a child to make sure that the next generation of students has a chance to succeed with the support and assistance that they need.

Rami Abuhabsah

2022-10-06 22:43:15 UTC

I want to set an example for my students to be future leaders of their community.

Angela Rosales

2022-10-06 22:43:26 UTC

I had an amazing Spanish teacher in high school. Mr.Pradas really looked out for all his students and would helps us in any way we needed it.

Kevin Gardner

2022-10-06 22:43:57 UTC

I come from a military family and whom was also educators. I am just keeping the profession in the bloodline going. My dad recently passed away, before he passed I made a promise that'll continue teaching not only for him but to help the younger generation become successful.

Reggie Simmons

2022-10-06 22:44:06 UTC

We all need help at some point. Some people need help/support more than others, and that's ok! Being that support for those in need has certainly made a difference in my life.

Yenci Soto

2022-10-06 22:44:35 UTC

I became a teacher because I love being part of a supportive community for my students. I know that sometimes students might not have a supportive system at home, so it's nice to know they have a supportive community at school that wants them to succeed. I also know that minority communities might not get the same support as other communities, so I want to be part of that change <3

Tonya Stewart

2022-10-06 22:44:40 UTC

This is how I jumped into Special Education and I haven't looked back.

I want to empower students to know who they are and what they think. I hope this will allow them to navigate the world with poise and with grace.

2022-10-06 22:44:46 UTC

Shweta Govilkar

2022-10-06 22:44:56 UTC

I just graduated this May from UIUC with myundergrad and I always thought I was going to be doctor. I was premed most of my college career. Looking back, I can see the signs that were pointing me to education as it is truly my passion. At the time of this photo, I had figured out I was going to be a CPS resident and am genuinely excited to pursue my dream career as a teacher despite all the social pressure I had put on myself to be a doctor.

2022-10-06 22:45:05 UTC

I feel that teaching young people how to read is one of the highest forms of service one can provide to their community. It is an honor to sustain and spread literacy. I, too, would like to treat myself to a Merces Benz.

Mandylan

2022-10-06 22:45:15 UTC

I have been teaching for 12 years and fell in love with SPED. I want to ensure I am advocating for children, no matter what background, exceptionality, race, and socioeconomic status. I had a few amazing teachers that did not give up on me so I want to be that support for my students.

2022-10-06 22:45:23 UTC

I had incredible music teachers in high school who inspired me to do this work. I actually fell away from that career path for a while, but got involved in a dance community that reignited my love for teaching.

2022-10-06 22:45:24 UTC

After years of working with young minds, I have felt the light in my path by shined brighter. I am excited to continue to to develop my skills for an educator and mentor.

2022-10-06 22:45:26 UTC

I am an educator because I believe that students need to see people who look like them, people who they can relate to, and who will advocate for them.

2022-10-06 22:45:44 UTC

What drove me to become a teacher was the idea of being able to give back in a number of different ways. I understand how important it is to have that driving force in your life.

Daisy Baca

2022-10-06 22:57:18 UTC

As a first-generation student and the eldest sibling in my family, I found myself being the one to teach my younger brother and other family members when they had difficulties with homework or if my parents had difficulties with understanding documents I would be the one to clarify. I want to be an addition to the % of Latino educators and set an exemplar. "Querer es poder"