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Teachers head back to class
Kery Obradovich talks with teachers as they discuss the common core state standards for math while at Willowbrook Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 22nd. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media
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Teachers, as well as students, in Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 have been hitting the books, so to speak, in preparation for the beginning of the new academic year.
Before the children’s classes began Aug. 23, long time staff members and educators new to the district became students again, and were back in the classroom during Teachers’ Institute Days.
New teachers participated in the three-day in-service program allowing them to develop an understanding of the culture and climate of the district. They also learned about procedures, processes and programs, said Melissa Hirsch, the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
“This year, our teachers are heavily invested in curriculum initiatives, organizational skills, life skills and social/emotional curricular initiatives,” she said.
Principals also have been holding meetings to present information about students services, new programs, service projects and the school themes for the year.
“Spirit in Action” is Maple Middle School’s theme. “Character Connects Us” is Wescott Elementary School’s and “Better Together” is Willowbrook Elementary’s.
The new teachers seem eager to share their education with students.
Corrie Crain of Arlington Heights, who has nine years of teaching experience but is new to the district, will be teaching seventh-grade math at Maple.
“We had an expo about technology and heard about all the different projects that the teachers have done in the classroom with the help of the tech facilitator,” Crain said. “That encouraged me to try new ways to incorporate technology into my instruction.”
Kimberly Karlin of Buffalo Grove, who has been teaching four years, will teach Spanish at Willowbrook and Wescott.
“Personally and professionally, I’m looking forward to learning a lot from the immersion program offered here. It’s a really exciting opportunity to teach in a different way that will be very effective for students,” she said.
Eleanor Kahn of Chicago, who has seven years of teaching experience, will teach fourth graders at Willowbrook.
“I’m really excited to learn about this community, which is clearly dedicated to the education of its students,” Karlin said. “I’m also eager to learn what has been successful in the past and how I can contribute to that success in the future.”
