As an elementary school student, Katie Currie joined a program for kids who hoped to become teachers one day. Now, the daughter of two teachers is beginning her third year at Kenwood Elementary in Champaign, where she teaches third grade, and her fourth year of teaching overall. The Miami native is also pursuing her second master’s degree in curriculum instruction.
I find my work important because … it extends far beyond simply imparting knowledge. Schools are where children not only acquire academic skills but also develop essential life skills like empathy, kindness and a strong sense of self. It’s a place where they learn to be active, engaged citizens. It’s a place where, as an educator, we are given the opportunity to inspire children to learn and grow. As an educator, I have the extraordinary opportunity to inspire and support students as they discover their passions and potential.
I became a teacher because … I was inspired by quite a few teachers during my own academic journey, including my parents. In elementary school, I was invited to be a part of a program for students who hoped to one day become educators. I was given the opportunity to visit other classrooms and assist younger students with their assignments. I remember at the time knowing that I would definitely grow up to work with children. Both of my parents became educators when I was in middle school. Listening to my parents discuss the importance of building a passion for learning in their students, and watching them pour their love, time and knowledge into their students inspired me more than anything. I became a teacher because I want to inspire and support students in finding that passion for learning the same way that I was inspired and supported.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … a Vikings unit from Core Knowledge Language Arts. Students have so much fun during the unit as they get to act like Vikings, “visit” different countries to farm and collect resources, and learn about the unique cultures and lives of Vikings. We pretend our desks are longships, climb aboard and row through the ocean during a storm; we pretend to gather berries and fish as we travel to different countries; and we get to meet some interesting characters along the way. I cannot express how much fun we have with this unit!
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … a lesson turns into inspiration. During one of our units, students learn about endangered animals, and how people have contributed to this issue. My students decided that this was definitely not OK with them and wanted to problem-solve. Over a week or so, students worked in small groups to create posters and discuss different ways people can change their daily lives in order to help the environment. They asked for materials and extra time in order to make posters displaying their ideas. What was so amazing about this moment is that it was not teacher-directed, guided or planned. They recognized that there is a problem and felt inspired to make it a priority.
I keep students engaged by … building relationships, learning about my students and using what I have learned about them to make learning fun on an individual level. I always try my best to incorporate a variety of activities and tasks that students find interesting, fun and engaging. For example, this past year, art was a strong overall interest of my students. For our Native American Culture unit, students were required to choose a chapter to record themselves reading aloud. Like a lot of people, quite a few students were not completely excited about having to record themselves reading. To get some excitement going, students had a painting party where they got to choose an illustration from their chosen chapters to recreate.
Something else I’m passionate about is … photography. I discovered my love for photography when I was living in Pennsylvania. I had taken up hiking and fell in love with the environment around me. I bought my first camera that year, and it quickly became a hobby that I love.
My favorite teacher was … Ms. Rolle, my eighth-grade reading teacher at West Miami Middle school in Miami. I cannot begin to describe how much I learned and grew from being in her class. It went beyond the standards. I learned how to believe in myself and my choices. I learned how to embrace what made me different from others. I learned to be proud of my mistakes. She taught me that learning wouldn’t be as much fun if I already knew everything there is to know. That has stayed with me since.
My favorite subject to study in school was … music. I was in choir from fifth grade all the way through high school. Music made me feel like I was a part of a community.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … a nature photographer. Specifically, I would be a nature photographer for National Geographic. Dream big!
I spent my summer break … relaxing and enjoying time with my family. I have three daughters, so it has been busy, but in the best way!
— ANTHONY ZILIS