Latest news with #IllinoisTeacheroftheYear
Chicago Tribune
7 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Illinois Teacher of the Year from Indian Prairie District 204 has hosted dozens of discussions across the state on belonging
Rachael Mahmood has taught at Indian Prairie School District 204 for the past 20 years — the district gave her her first teaching job, she said, and she's worked there ever since. But her connection to the district goes back a bit further, to when she was in college. She began attending meetings of the district's Parent Diversity Advisory Council, she said, with one of her professors at the time. That group, which focuses on equity and diversity in District 204, hosted what's called a 'World Cafe' about 15 years back, Mahmood recalls. It became a yearly event, she said, and was what first exposed her to the initiative that would later become the focus of a year-long sabbatical she took as Illinois' 2024 Teacher of the Year. 'I just remembered feeling … agency, feeling belonging, feeling like I had (a) voice as an educator,' Mahmood said. The World Cafe is a technique 'based on the understanding that conversation is the core process that drives personal, business and organization life,' per its website, and 'a way of thinking and being together sourced in a philosophy of conversational leadership.' The methodology is outlined in a book, 'The World Cafe Book: Shaping Our Futures Through Conversations that Matter,' by David Isaacs and Juanita Brown. According to its website, the basic format is a series of small-group conversations at small round tables, often modeled after a cafe setting. Each round of discussion is started with a question, and individuals are later invited to share insights with the larger group. Mahmood called it 'a dialogue model' that's meant to solve issues in communities via grassroots conversations. 'It's built on the idea that the collective wisdom to solve any issue in society already exists inside the community,' Mahmood said. 'We just need systems to draw out that wisdom.' Now, 20 years later, Mahmood has spent the past year hosting these World Cafes at school districts across the state, as part of a sabbatical she was awarded to serve as an ambassador for teachers after being named the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year. Mahmood was named Illinois' Far West Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year in 2024, which put her in the running for the statewide title, which she was awarded last May. Being selected as Illinois Teacher of the Year comes with a paid, year-long sabbatical to serve as an ambassador for teachers at events and engagements across the state. District 204 Superintendent Adrian Talley has said Mahmood is the first teacher in the district to be selected for the award, according to past reporting. Recipients of the statewide award typically give talks across the state about teaching, but Mahmood chose to do something a bit different by hosting World Cafes at school districts across the state. 'There wasn't really a lot of opportunities to collect voice-back from educators,' she said. 'So this was a great way to do that in reverse and say, like, 'I'm not just giving inspirational speeches, but I'm also collecting your stories and your inspiration, your ideas.'' The questions Mahmood asked at the discussions she facilitated were about defining belonging in a school, the strengths of their particular school environment, what challenges exist to feeling a sense of belonging and what action steps can their school take to increase feelings of belonging. The World Cafes were originally geared toward educators, Mahmood said, but soon districts asked if parents and students could be part of the conversations. 'We are this delicate ecosystem,' Mahmood said. 'It's kind of like all three pieces — the parents or the community, the students and the educators, their sense of belonging is kind of dependent on each other.' She chose to focus on the feeling of belonging in schools because of her own experiences as a mixed-race student. Mahmood is the daughter of a Russian Jewish mother and an Indian Hindu father, according to past reporting, and grew up around cultural and religious practices from both sides of her family. Indian Prairie's commitment to equity is in large part what informed her interest in working for the district two decades ago when she was first hired, she said. Now, with her sabbatical ending on July 1, Mahmood said she estimates she's spoken to around 6,000 people through World Cafes — mostly educators, but also some parents and students, and hosted around 50 World Cafe discussions so far. The discussions have taken place nearby at schools in Aurora and Plainfield and at districts downstate, for example. Throughout the year, she has been compiling surveys from the discussions, which she is providing back to the school districts. She also has plans to write a book or manual with her findings, she said. In addition to hosting dozens of discussions, Mahmood has also been a part of other events — from speaking at conferences to meeting with government officials to leading fans in singing 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' for the seventh-inning stretch at a Cubs game during Teacher Appreciation Week in early May. The latter event she tried, unsuccessfully, to keep under wraps. 'I was kind of embarrassed because I'm not a great singer,' she said. 'Joke's on me because everyone watches the Cubs game. And so, my phone was blowing up … It was just all over the place. There was no hiding.' Recently, she's also been preparing this year's winner, East Leyden High School science teacher Víctor Gómez, for the experience of being Illinois Teacher of the Year. And — though she said she has discussions booked out past the end date of her sabbatical, and will continue her responsibilities through January as a state winner of the Council of Chief State School Officers' 2025 State Teacher of the Year — Mahmood is returning to Indian Prairie next school year. Before her sabbatical, Mahmood was teaching fifth grade at Georgetown Elementary. Next year, she's back in the district, but in a different position: teaching fourth grade at Builta Elementary. 'Maybe, I'll have some really good guest speakers,' she laughed, as she described coming back to the district. Mahmood said she's excited to be back, but said she's not sure yet what kinds of changes the past year will bring to her teaching. 'I think that, maybe, most of the changing will be something going on inside my heart,' she said. In the time she was away from the classroom, however, the world of education has experienced considerable change and uncertainty, from threats to federal education funding to federal investigations into alleged racial discrimination at Chicago Public Schools and the University of Chicago as part of a federal crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Despite the uncertainty, Mahmood believes that the Illinois State Board of Education and Indian Prairie District 204 can weather what's to come. And she hopes the discussion model she's shared can help districts across the state handle any challenges that arise. 'I'm hoping that I've left the communities that I've been a part of with a tool that they can continue to use as they move forward with the uncertainty and they are faced with some real issues,' Mahmood said. 'Maybe they can turn to using a World Cafe and the collective wisdom of their community to help to cope, grapple, support, understand, fix, solve what they're facing in the year to come or the years to come.'
Chicago Tribune
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
The Tribune's Quotes of the Week quiz for May 3
Hello, quotes readers. Did you miss us? Well, it's May and you know what that means … May Day! Thousands rallied downtown on Thursday to commemorate the annual celebration with Chicago roots. Organized labor and activist groups marched from Union Park to Grant Park, calling for workers' rights and fair wages and protesting President Donald Trump's policies targeting immigrants, federal employees and workplace diversity programs. The president, meanwhile, marked his first 100 days in office this week and released his 2026 budget plan, which would slash most domestic spending while increasing expenditures on national security. Bringing to an end an almost five-year ordeal, the Chicago Park District announced Thursday they reached a deal to end a lawsuit brought over the removal of Christopher Columbus statues from city parks during the 2020 protests. In the burgeoning race for Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin's seat, Sen. Tammy Duckworth endorsed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, giving her backing from two of the state's highest-ranking Democrats. Plus, in an appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Thursday night, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he has not made up his mind about a third term and demurred on a 2028 presidential run. Downstate, three children and a teenager were killed and several others injured Monday afternoon when a vehicle plowed through an after-school facility just outside Springfield. A Plainfield landlord was sentenced to 53 years in prison Friday for the murder of 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and the attempted murder of the boy's mother in October 2023, an attack a jury found to be a hate crime spurred by the war in Gaza. And former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, the one-term leader who halted the state's death penalty before being imprisoned on federal corruption charges, died Friday in hospice in his hometown of Kankakee. He was 91. During Wednesday night's game between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, a fan fell from the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall in right field. The man remains in critical condition. In other news, the 2025 Tony Award nominations were announced Thursday, including several nods for Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Portillo's is giving away free sandwiches in May and a local science teacher was named Illinois Teacher of the Year.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: Advocates press funding for college test prep support program
Good afternoon, Chicago. Supporters of a state program providing free test preparation to students at public universities and some community colleges said the effort has saved students over $8 million in just two months, but needs $10 million in state funding to remain in operation. Illinois launched the program in late February, becoming the first state to offer free comprehensive test preparation for college students and already serving more than 200,000 students statewide. The program, a collaboration between the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the educational service company Kaplan, allows students free access to more than 40 prep courses including graduate-level admissions exams such as the LSAT for law school, as well as courses in data analytics, cybersecurity and real estate. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Hundreds of marchers and demonstrators gathered at Union Park in the West Loop Thursday morning for a rally on May Day, a celebration commemorating the labor movement. Read more here. More top news stories: What to know about May Day, including its Chicago origins and how it has grown over the years Bilingual science teacher at East Leyden High School named Illinois Teacher of the Year The new land-based Hollywood casinos coming to Joliet and Aurora are betting that the way to a gambler's heart is through their stomach. Read more here. More top business stories: Baxter International expects tariff impact of $60 to $70 million this year Conagra sells Chef Boyardee to private equity-owned Hometown Food Company The guard will play her first preseason minutes with the Chicago Sky tomorrow in an exhibition game against Brazil in a familiar setting — the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where she spent the toughest year of her collegiate career with LSU. More top sports stories: Chicago baseball report: Division play heats up for 18-13 Cubs and 7-23 White Sox Man who fell from 21-foot Clemente Wall at PNC Park during Cubs-Pirates game in critical condition Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company woke up this morning to boffo Tony Award news as plaudits landed on its world premiere production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' drama, 'Purpose,' a bold play very loosely based on the family of political activist Jesse Jackson Jr. and now playing on Broadway. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: David Cerda put some of his own story into 'Scary Town.' It's not an easy story. 'The Four Seasons' review: Tina Fey is no Alan Alda, but at least there's the Vivaldi Across continents, tens of thousands turned out for today's rallies marking International Workers' Day, many citing President Donald Trump's agenda — from aggressive tariffs spurring fears of global economic turmoil to immigration crackdowns — as a central concern. Read more here. More top stories from around the world: Kohl's ousts CEO Ashley Buchanan after investigation into some vendor transactions President Donald Trump's health agency urges therapy for transgender youth, not broader gender-affirming health care President Donald Trump names Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting national security adviser, taps Mike Waltz for UN envoy
Chicago Tribune
01-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Afternoon Briefing: Advocates press funding for college test prep support program
Good afternoon, Chicago. Supporters of a state program providing free test preparation to students at public universities and some community colleges said the effort has saved students over $8 million in just two months, but needs $10 million in state funding to remain in operation. Illinois launched the program in late February, becoming the first state to offer free comprehensive test preparation for college students and already serving more than 200,000 students statewide. The program, a collaboration between the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the educational service company Kaplan, allows students free access to more than 40 prep courses including graduate-level admissions exams such as the LSAT for law school, as well as courses in data analytics, cybersecurity and real estate. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. May Day rally underway in Union Park with march planned to Grant Park later in the day Hundreds of marchers and demonstrators gathered at Union Park in the West Loop Thursday morning for a rally on May Day, a celebration commemorating the labor movement. Read more here. What to know about May Day, including its Chicago origins and how it has grown over the years Bilingual science teacher at East Leyden High School named Illinois Teacher of the Year Hollywood Casino food courts in Joliet, Aurora to get Stephanie Izard's Goat, Antique Taco The new land-based Hollywood casinos coming to Joliet and Aurora are betting that the way to a gambler's heart is through their stomach. Read more here. More top business stories: Hailey Van Lith credits LSU for strengthening her resilience ahead of Baton Rouge return with the Chicago Sky The guard will play her first preseason minutes with the Chicago Sky tomorrow in an exhibition game against Brazil in a familiar setting — the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where she spent the toughest year of her collegiate career with LSU. Read more here. Chicago baseball report: Division play heats up for 18-13 Cubs and 7-23 White Sox Man who fell from 21-foot Clemente Wall at PNC Park during Cubs-Pirates game in critical condition 2025 Tony Award nominations: Steppenwolf's 'Purpose' and 'Death Becomes Her' both score big Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company woke up this morning to boffo Tony Award news as plaudits landed on its world premiere production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' drama, 'Purpose,' a bold play very loosely based on the family of political activist Jesse Jackson Jr. and now playing on Broadway. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: From Tokyo to Turin to LA, President Donald Trump's policies loom over May Day marches Across continents, tens of thousands turned out for today's rallies marking International Workers' Day, many citing President Donald Trump's agenda — from aggressive tariffs spurring fears of global economic turmoil to immigration crackdowns — as a central concern. Read more here.
Chicago Tribune
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Bilingual science teacher at East Leyden High School named Illinois Teacher of the Year
East Leyden High School science teacher Víctor Gómez knew something was up Wednesday morning thanks to a maintenance worker. Just before noon, the worker told Gómez he and his students had to evacuate their classroom and relocate to the band room because of a broken water pipe. 'I didn't see any water. I thought, this is odd,' Gómez said. Moments later, he was proven correct as he led his students into the band room. Gomez broke into a huge smile when he walked through an archway made of yellow, blue and white balloons just inside the doorway. Festive music filled the air, courtesy of Mariachi Estrellas De Chicago. And as Gómez walked in, school officials, teachers, parents, students and his family began applauding and cheering for the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year, as declared by the Illinois State Board of Education. The prestigious honor floored Gómez, 31, a Wheaton resident in his sixth year of teaching at the Franklin Park high school. 'How do I express myself other than gratitude for everyone who has been part of this journey? To my family, my wife, my students — thank you,' he said. It's all about the students, not himself, he said. 'Doing what's right for the kids, making sure they have every opportunity to succeed has been the one mission as an educator. After six years of being a bilingual educator, I believe I've touched a lot of students' lives in positive ways,' he said. Gómez was selected from 13 finalists. After teachers are nominated, they are invited to apply for the honor. That's followed by essays about their teaching philosophy, along with letters of recommendation. A committee evaluates applicants who are interviewed and the final selection is made by Tony Sanders, Illinois superintendent of education. 'Each year,' Sanders said, 'we select a teacher to represent our best and brightest and we think Mr. Gómez is an incredible choice for that.' Gómez co-developed East Leyden's bilingual program, and helped launch the school's first bilingual chemistry course. He also is a mentor to future bilingual educators in a collaboration with Elmhurst University, and has facilitated opportunities for bilingual students at East Leyden. And he started a mariachi band at the school. Sanders called Gómez 'a dedicated advocate for bilingual education.' At East Leyden, about 80% of the approximately 1,800 students are Hispanic, officials said. Gómez teaches bilingual chemistry and biology. What sets Gómez apart, peers, students, officials and family said, is his ability to easily connect with others. Student Jesus Osuna offered a prime example at the rally on Wednesday. 'I came here three years ago and on my very first day, I walked into your classroom. I heard music playing in Spanish. At that moment, I felt a huge sense of relief,' Osuna recalled. The graduating senior thanked Gómez 'for believing in your students and making us feel at home.' 'You are a teacher I will never forget,' Osuna said before giving Gómez a hug. That empathy and providing a comfort zone has become even more important at a time marked by federal scrutiny and targeted deportations in the Hispanic community. Osuna confirmed students are concerned, and 'there's a lot of uncertainty when it comes to what is going on.' 'A lot of us bilingual teachers really (are) making the effort to make sure our students are feeling that they belong here. That their language belongs. That they, too, deserve to be here,' Gómez said. He said it's no extra challenge teaching students for whom English is a second language 'because it ends up being a family in the classroom.' Family is a theme often heard in Leyden High School District 212, school board president Greg Ignoffa said. It came up again in a conversation he had at Wednesday's event with Gómez's father. 'That's where he gets it. That's the culture he grew up in. It's engaging. It's family. We use the word 'family' at Leyden here and it's not just a word. It is a family,' Ignoffa said. Andres Gómez, 29, and Vivian Gómez, 26, are proud of their big brother. 'Words cannot express the feelings I have right now. It's a great achievement,' Andres said. Growing up, Gómez 'loved biology and chemistry. That led to him being a teacher here,' Andres, an accountant, said. Vivian, a teacher's assistant at Addison Trail High, called her brother 'my biggest role model growing up.' 'He tutored me a lot, but not only in science,' she said. 'I'm very proud because we've seen him grow not only as a person but as an educator.' As Teacher of the Year, Gómez will receive his annual salary during a year-long sabbatical in which he will visit school districts statewide to assist their bilingual programs. 'You can give as many speeches as you want but if you're not working with people, nothing will get done,' he said. East Leyden Principal Julie Lam said Gomez's positive impact on students is evident daily. 'His impact radiates throughout our district through his students and through every colleague who has had the privilege of working beside him,' said Lam, in her first year as principal. 'In his science classroom, learning is not about memorizing facts or preparing for tests. It's about engaging them with curiosity, critical thinking and courage. Gómez makes science acceptable and exciting,' Lam said. The school's previous principal, Dominic Manola, now the district's assistant superintendent for curriculum, said Gómez gets to know 'who the kids are.' 'I remember a water purity lesson a few years ago when he brought in the hometowns of his students. Because he knows them so deeply, he brings relevant things in constantly,' Manola said. That engagement endured even through the challenges of the worldwide pandemic and remote learning sessions. 'Most kids were not turning their cameras on. You go into his class, they had their cameras on,' he said. Gómez's father, Victor Gómez Sr., who came to the United States from Mexico when he was nine years old, learned to speak English and became an engineer for an aerospace company. Gómez said his father's challenges adjusting to life here inspired him to work with bilingual students. His wife Ingrid, who met Gómezwhen both were students at Addison Trail High School, joked that her husband may try to use his award to get out of doing laundry at home. Laughing, GGómez assured her that won't be happening despite winning the state's top teaching honor. 'Now,' Lam said, 'the rest of the state knows what we've known all along, that Víctor Gómez represents the very best of what it means to be a teacher.' Gómez said he 'does not feel like the top (teacher) in the state,' adding 'there's a lot of humility.'
