Would you do it, could you do it.....Teach that is

[title1parent]

The Sun/Beacon is running weekly articles about teachers from neighboring schools and our own district. I will post them as they appear. Some great people doing some great things to inspire our kids....

[title1parent]

www.suburbanchicagonews.com/naper....-091008.article

Favorite teacher: Neuqua's Rebecca Hub

October 8, 2009

Rebecca "Becky" Hub, 24, has lived in Naperville since 1986 and has attended District 204 schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. She currently teaches at Neuqua Valley High School.

What is your educational background: "I went to Illinois State University and got my bachelor's for special education in December 2006. I have a LBS1 Type 10 certification. (Learning and Behavior Specialist.)"

Inspiration for becoming a teacher? "I was always interested in teaching, but I developed a passion for students with special needs when I participated in Joy Pierson's peer partners class at Neuqua Valley High School. It was a PE program that included general education students with special education students. Through this I became involved in helping Special Olympics. Joy still leads a fantastic program at Neuqua today that my students participate in. In college I joined a program called Best Buddies, where I was paired up in a friendship with a woman who had disabilities. We had so much fun together and it affirmed my passion for working with young adults. I graduated in December '06 from ISU and started here at Neuqua in February '07. I have taught in a variety of classrooms. I sponsor Urban Arts club and co-sponsor Best Buddies clubs here at Neuqua."

What keeps you teaching? "The students, as well as the close community of educators and para-professionals, and the constant challenges and successes keep me teaching. There is never a boring day."

Favorite moment as a teacher? "It's always funny to see kids outside of the classroom in public. It totally catches them off guard! I think they forget that teachers are regular people too, and we do regular things, like go to the movies, or run out to the grocery store in our pjs."

Best piece of life advice you have for students? "Find your passion and live it. Work is a fun place to be when you love what you're doing."

Interesting project you have students do each year? "We have the students plan a party before winter break. The whole department is invited. The students really put a lot of work into it by making invitations, decorations, planning community outings to the store to pick up supplies. When the day arrives everyone enjoys the festivities together!"

Any blog or Web site you would like to share? Check out www.bestbuddies.org ! I got involved with Best Buddies in college and sponsor the club here at Neuqua. It's a phenomenal program!"

Anything else you'd like to share? "I would like to send a shout out to my break dancers in Urban Arts Club ("UAC") at Neuqua. It's so awesome to sponsor a group of such creative and talented young adults! I'm so proud of you!"

Who nominated her: Parent Shari Kuzniewicz wrote: "There are not enough words to say about (Hub's) true devotion and love for the kids. She has not only changed the life of my son but the family life. He is maturing and gaining confidence every day. All I need to do is e-mail her and let her know the issues we are working on at home and she backs me 100 percent. I constantly tell her that she has a gift and I am grateful that she has shared it with our family.

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Nominate your Favorite teacher
Naperville's schools are known for their high level of achievement. We want to tell readers more about why that is. We bet it has a lot to do with great teachers whose passion is helping students learn to be successful. Tell us about a teacher who made a difference in your life. We'd like to feature the best in The Sun's Teacher Feature.

Nominate teachers by e-mailing nominations to [e-mail]. Make sure to include the teachers' name, school they work for, contact information and why you think they should be featured. We look forward to learning more about why Naperville is such a great place to educate kids!

[title1parent]

www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/schools/1832480,2_5_AU19_GALLCOL_S1-091019.article

Teacher applies humor, high standards

October 19, 2009

By MICHELE GALL For The Beacon-News
As a special educator, I have worked with many academic departments and have had the good fortune to work with many talented and gifted teachers.

Ken Gerk stands out as one of the most creative and visionary teachers with whom I have ever worked. Ken is a social studies teacher but also performs many behind-the-scenes duties that truly add to the lifeblood of East Aurora High School.

Ken and I co-taught Illinois state and American history for several years. I never have seen a teacher with so much energy and zeal for his profession and genuine caring and admiration for the students he teaches. I was a seasoned teacher when I came to East, but I learned many things from Ken. A few of these are:


• Hold the kids to high standards: They appreciate this, and will rise to the occasion.


• Teach critical thinking skills: Ken would always say, "Let's think outside the box", or bun, (thanks, Taco Bell). In other words, don't go for the easy answer -- let's analyze this from another perspective. He would go out of his way to bring in diverse and challenging instructional materials, and I have stolen many lesson plans from him.


• Know the kids' first names by the end of the first week of school. You would not believe how much this simple tip helps a teacher with classroom management. The kids realize that the teacher knows them, sees them and that they count.


• Humor! Humor! Humor! Suddenly, I found myself with a teacher who would affect strange accents and jump around the room. He could quote lines from the Simpsons or South Park at will. He was a master emcee at games of "Jeopardy," where he would test the students' knowledge of all things historical. Lesson learned: Students like to laugh. It tends to keep them awake.

I interviewed Ken recently and here is a snippet:

Me: How long have you been a teacher at East High? What classes have you taught?

Ken: Eight years. World Cultures. American History. Illinois History.

Me: What has been your favorite part of teaching?

Ken: Seeing the students become motivated and go way beyond the requirements.

Me: Do you have any memories of students that you would like to share?

Ken: When a student told me that he needed one more day on a project because he and his mother were robbed at gunpoint while being bound and gagged. He actually did turn in the project on time. This is why I have a gigantic "NO EXCUSES" sign above my door. Sometimes the students with the most terrible things happening to them are the ones who actually persevere.

Me: You also head many extracurricular activities at East High. What are these?

Ken: Student Council. Senior Class Council. Regional Safe School Program Facilitator.

Me: Any Homecoming highlights?

Ken: So many more students were involved in sports and clubs this year. The gym floor was completely packed after announcing everyone at the Homecoming pep assembly. The Homecoming dance had almost 500 students, which is a fairly solid number. Also, I'm very glad to see the Homecoming Parade coming back. Every year, it seems more and more pride is expressed.

Me: Any teaching philosophy that you'd like to share?

Ken: The most powerful thing that we can teach is how to learn.

Thanks Ken.

Michele Gall can be reached at [e-mail].

[title1parent]

Award-winning teacher gets tips from motherhood

November 4, 2009 Beacon

By KRISTINE LIPTROT For Sun-Times Media
Who has the top early career educator in the state? We do.

Of the more than 150 award recipients at the 2009-10 Those Who Excel Awards, only one teacher in the state was named the Outstanding Early Career Educator, and Oswego Community Unit School District 308 is proud to claim that educator as one of its own.

Catherine Mewmaw, an Oswego resident and fifth-grade teacher at Southbury Elementary, was selected for the top spot in her category of educators who have been employed in teaching five years or less. Those who have been teaching for more than five years compete for the Teacher of the Year designation.

"It is hard for me to imagine that I have only been teaching for five years," Mewmaw said. "In so many ways, it feels like I have been a teacher for my entire life. Although I began my "career" in advertising, it was always a job ... work. Teaching is my life. It is what I was meant to do. It is part of every fiber of my being."

The Illinois State Board of Education agreed presenting Mewmaw with the Early Career Educator of the Year award on Oct. 24 in Peoria at the Those Who Excel Awards Banquet and Program. Those Who Excel candidates are nominated through letters of recommendation by local schools and community members. The nomination also includes the nominee's biography, philosophy of education, professional development, community involvement and opinions of the state's most pressing educational needs.

"Cathy's passion for serving others is what truly sets her apart from others in our district," said Jeremy Ricken, who served as Mewmaw's building principal at East View Elementary School for four years. "She has never limited her energy and efforts to her own classroom and has a special talent for reaching students beyond her own walls."

As a former fifth-grade student of Mewmaw, Courtney Licul remembers her teacher as one who "goes above and beyond" for her students. "In Mrs. Mewmaw's classroom you feel comfortable, you feel like you are one of her own children," Licul said. "Mrs. Mewmaw is always looking for new ways to present information, creative ways to inspire us and she makes learning and going to school every day an adventure."

Mewmaw has been with District 308 since she entered the teaching profession five years ago.

"When I earned my master's degree in education, it was with one 10-year-old son, an 8-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter cheering me on," she said. "Entering this profession at the age of 39 allowed me to have the wisdom, experience, maturity and compassion of being a mother — all of which make me a much better educator. When I look out over my classroom, I see my students through the eyes of a parent, I teach them as I wish my own children to be taught. My educational philosophies have been shaped by my life experiences."

In only five years, Mewmaw has made a tremendous impact on those in the district. For her students she is a tremendous teacher who organized Civil War Days, World War II Day, an Underground Railroad simulation and Ellis Island simulation as well as being involved with Safety Patrol, French Club, Yearbook Club and a Student Council sponsor. For her co-workers she is a union representative, Web master, mentor and serves on the building's leadership team and Character Counts committee. For the district she is a leader in social studies curriculum and assessments and a valued resource on a strategic goal committee, elementary task force, science leadership team, and intervention and differentiation committees. And for the profession of education, as stated by the Illinois State Board of Education, she is simply "outstanding."

Kristine Liptrot is the director of communications for Oswego School District 308. She can be reached at [e-mail].

[gatordog]

Nov 4, 2009 6:22:27 GMT -5 title1parent said:

..... since she entered the teaching profession five years ago.

"When I earned my master's degree in education, it was with one 10-year-old son, an 8-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter cheering me on," she said. "Entering this profession at the age of 39 allowed me to have the wisdom, experience, maturity and compassion of being a mother — all of which make me a much better educator. When I look out over my classroom, I see my students through the eyes of a parent, I teach them as I wish my own children to be taught. My educational philosophies have been shaped by my life experiences."

relatively short teaching career years experience.....but very valuable years of other experiences that she really puts to good use. Is this career path unusual in ES teachers?

Sounds like she is an excellent and motivated educator. I am happy for her recognition.

[title1parent]

Jill Koebrich, second grade, Spring Brook Elementary

December 3, 2009

Jill Koebrich, 37, of Oswego teaches second grade at Spring Brook Elementary School, 2700 Seiler Drive in Naperville. She originally is from West Frankfort in southern Illinois, then moved to Naperville after college.

Education: Bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and minor in music. Master of arts in teaching is from Aurora University.

Inspiration for becoming a teacher: "I have always loved working with children and watching them learn. It was such an easy decision for me when I chose my career. Over the past 14 years, I have modeled my teaching style after my favorite teachers from grade school. I cannot think of any other job I could enjoy as much as teaching."

What keeps you teaching? "It's pretty simple ... my love for children really keeps me teaching. I enjoy the challenge of working with so many learning styles. Teaching is a demanding job, but it sure is gratifying. There's nothing like watching a child succeed."
Craziest thing a student has ever said: "Right before a short break from school, one of my students was telling me how much he was going to miss me. He said that he wished I would come over to his house to play. When I asked him what we would do, he said we could play video games and watch "girly" movies. I was a little curious about what these "girly" movies might be, but was relieved to learn it was The Care Bears and Snow White. While this may not be the craziest thing a student has ever told me, it sure is one that made me laugh!"

Favorite moment as a teacher: "I have quite a few favorite moments, but one that really stands out was when I ran into a former student who was substituting at Spring Brook. She was a student from my first class of kids and had kept in touch with me. Although I knew she had just graduated from college and was looking for a teaching position, it still was such an overwhelming moment to see her as one of my colleagues. And yes, it made me feel really old, too!"

Best advice: "Laugh every day!"

Favorite topic: "I love to teach the continent unit to second-graders. As our school becomes more diverse, I am constantly learning about our world through the experiences of my students. Just last year, my teammates and I changed the unit so that it was more student-directed rather than teacher-directed. The kids worked in small groups and decided what important information should be shared. They did a fabulous job presenting their information to other second-graders. I'm looking forward to this unit in the spring."

Interesting project: "After teaching the parts of a friendly letter, each second-grader chooses a character to write to. They are encouraged to choose a character that is not likely to write back. Each student begins the project by writing a letter to the character or person they chose. Then, they write back as if they are that character or person. One final letter is written from the child. In the past, I've had students write to favorite book characters, the Tooth Fairy, Santa and even God. Many of the letters have made me laugh out loud while a few have caused some tears. It is such a fun project that really shows how creative and innocent kids can be."

Recent accolades: "I was nominated for a Golden Apple Award in 2008."

Anything else you'd like to share? "I am so blessed to work at Spring Brook School. The staff is amazing and the parents are very supportive. I want all of my past and present students to know that they have made me the teacher that I am today."

Nominated by: Parent Julie O'Keefe nominated Koebrich. "My daughter, Karsen, absolutely loves Mrs. Koebrich as her second-grade teacher. She truly thinks of her 27 second-grade students as her own children. She is warm, caring and kind."

[title1parent]

Cindy Mersman, first grade, Arlene Welch Elementary

December 10, 2009

Cindy Mersman, 34, has taught first grade for the past 10 years in Indian Prairie School District 204. She was born and raised in Naperville and lived there for 25 years before moving to Aurora, where she lives with her husband and two children. Mersman currently teaches at Arlene Welch Elementary School.

Education: "I attended College of DuPage for two years and earned my associate's degree. I received a Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship from COD and a transfer scholarship from North Central College. I spent the duration of my college career at NCC and graduated in 1997 with a BA in education. In 2002, I earned my master's of art degree in instructional strategies from Rockford College."

Inspiration for becoming a teacher: "I always loved baby-sitting and spending time with little kids. Also, my high school biology teacher, Mr. Larson, had a fun teaching style that inspired me to try my hand at teaching."

What keeps you teaching? "Teaching keeps me on my toes. Year to year, week to week, day to day, hour to hour and even minute to minute you never know what might happen to surprise you."
What is the craziest thing a student has ever said to you? "This incident is a funny tale that made me feel old. One afternoon I was putting on a book on tape. I had to rewind it and the kids got a bit restless waiting. One student said, 'Don't you have any books on CD?' Before I could respond, another student chimed in and responded, 'She probably doesn't have any because CDs weren't around when she was little!'"

Favorite moment as a teacher? "One year, I had a boy in my class who just touched my heart. He was a child of few words and rarely made eye contact on his own. I remember one day, toward the end of the year, he was leaving the room and stopped. He normally didn't do that. He turned to me, looked me in the eyes and said, 'Bye, Mrs. Mersman!' I actually teared up for a moment after he went on his merry way. Even though I have heard those words so many times over the years, that day it was special because it was a growing moment, a first time moment, for that student. Little achievements can be just as rewarding as big achievements!"

Best advice you have for students? "Try your best! It will help you to succeed at school and in life."

F avorite topic to teach? "Reading! I love when children are beginning readers and one day it all comes together for them. The 'light bulb' comes on and they become so proud of themselves."

Interesting project: "Each year, during our Earth and rock unit, we make clay models of the Earth. We use different color clay for each layer of the Earth. The core is a little ball of foil. The students love it when we use a piece of string and cut it in half. When they pull it apart it shows all of the Earth's layers."

Recent accolades: "In June of 2009 I completed 60 hours of graduate level classes beyond my MA."

Any blog or Web page you'd like to share? "I just heard about a good Web site for finding books at specific reading levels. This could be a useful tool for parents. The Web site is www.bookadventure.com . Just go to the Parents Place and click on the Book Finder link."

Anything else you'd like to share? "Teaching is an adventure. Even a well-mapped-out day can take you on an unexpected detour."


Who nominated her: Parent Jean Furrer wrote, "I would like to nominate Mrs. Mersman for the Sun's Teacher Feature because she was able to make my son's first year in a regular classroom successful for him and the whole class. My son has special needs and until first grade was assigned to special education classrooms for one-on-one teaching. In kindergarten he was able to attend a regular class with an assistant for parts of the day, but it wasn't until first grade that he was able to be assigned to a regular class with an assistant for the whole day. Mrs. Mersman along with his support team at Welch made his first grade experience the best I could imagine. Thanks to her and his Welch team he is thriving socially and academically in a regular second grade classroom now." Teacher feature