Our Teachers are Our HEROES!
For more than 130 years, the National College of Education at National Louis University (NLU) has been a pioneering and innovative force in new teacher preparation, educator advancement, and educational leadership. As leaders in the field, we know that our teachers have had to make many adjustments over the past few years, and for that, they are our HEROES!
That is why we created the My Teacher, My Hero grant: an opportunity to give back to some of the teachers in the National College of Education M.Ed. or Ed.S. programs. The grant is a “thank you” for the hard work our teachers have put in the past couple years, and also a gift that will help them get back to focusing on their education and career goals. Winners of this grant receive $500 in classroom supplies or appropriate classroom support, courtesy of National Louis University.
Maria Woodfork-Thornton at Irvin C. Mollison Elementary School in Chicago, IL and Jeanette Weller at Holmes Junior High School in Mount Prospect, IL were the very first winners of the My Teacher, My Hero grant. The teachers were able to fill up a wishlist of supplies to support their classrooms and students: from books, journals and writing supplies, to stickers, fidget toys, and headphones. A team from NLU visited the teachers in their classrooms to deliver the gifts, meet their students, and give a big congratulations and thank you to the teachers for their hard work and for being HEROES!
The grant money supplies will benefit both the students and their hard-working teachers:
Maria Woodfork-Thornton: “The $500 has allowed me to infuse my library with culturally relevant and affirming titles. My students are excited to begin their book clubs with these new titles. I see a new level of interest in independent reading, as well.”
Jeanette Weller: “The supplies that were given to me will help prepare my students to learn math. I was given a TON of pencils, white board markers, folders and notebooks – so many things for students to use while learning math. Also, I requested many fidgets, colorful pencils and stickers as a reward incentive. Students LOVE earning rewards, and the supplies that were given to me allow me to reward my students in creative ways!”
These teachers are not only managing their own classes, but they’re also earning their post-graduate degrees at National Louis University. Maria Woodfork-Thornton is earning her Ed.S. in Reading, and Jeanette Weller is earning her M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction. To juggle both their school obligations and work as a teacher, each of them are utilizing NLU’s flexible class scheduling options to take classes online. This allows them to earn their degrees without taking time off from teaching and also gives them the opportunity to apply what they are learning at NLU to their own classrooms.
Maria Woodfork-Thornton: “I want to be a Reading Specialist and Coach … My classes at NLU have given me specialized knowledge of students as readers and writers. I am confident that I can put together a plan to support students' growth.”
Jeanette Weller: “My M.Ed. in ESL and Mathematics Education will help me serve the students I teach every day, as well as make me ready to implement the Common Core State Standards of math with fidelity. My graduate program has taught me how to meet the needs of my diverse learners by providing a rich curriculum full of meaningful learning experiences. My classroom is more vibrant, coherent, and collaborative than it has ever been. I also plan on taking my experiences to the college level by either mentoring or becoming an adjunct professor for future teachers. Teachers need individuals who believe in our profession and know the importance of igniting the passion for learning. Our youth depend on teachers.”
National Louis University is excited to continue supporting our students’ success. With future My Teacher, My Hero grant opportunities in the works, we look forward to showing our gratitude and appreciation for all teachers and the valuable work they do. They are not just teachers, they are HEROES!
