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That’s a Wrap, June! Reflecting on a Month of Rest, Impact, and Transition

That’s a Wrap, June! Reflecting on a Month of Rest, Impact, and Transition

That’s a Wrap, June! Reflecting on a Month of Rest, Impact, and Transition

June marked the final chapter of my official journey as the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year. As I begin to pass the torch and transition back into the classroom, I remain grateful...

mahmoodilstoy24

Jul 74 min read

Passing the Torch: A May of Milestones, Memories, and Moving Forward

Passing the Torch: A May of Milestones, Memories, and Moving Forward

Passing the Torch: A May of Milestones, Memories, and Moving Forward

This May was a month of full-circle moments, farewells, and fresh beginnings, as I prepare to pass the baton as Illinois Teacher of the Year.

mahmoodilstoy24

Jun 34 min read

April's ABC Adventures: AI, Advocacy, Belonging, Behaviors, Conversations, Colleges, & Conferences

April's ABC Adventures: AI, Advocacy, Belonging, Behaviors, Conversations, Colleges, & Conferences

April's ABC Adventures: AI, Advocacy, Belonging, Behaviors, Conversations, Colleges, & Conferences

Whether through early childhood education, equity in higher education, or advocacy at the legislative level, I found myself consistently reminded that belonging doesn’t happen by accident — it’s something we intentionally build together.

mahmoodilstoy24

Apr 284 min read

Feeling Lucky to Be an Educator in Illinois

Feeling Lucky to Be an Educator in Illinois

Feeling Lucky to Be an Educator in Illinois

March has been a month filled with moments that remind me just how fortunate we are to be educators in the state of Illinois.

mahmoodilstoy24

Apr 23 min read

Celebrating Women, Leadership, & My 100th Event!

Celebrating Women, Leadership, & My 100th Event!

Celebrating Women, Leadership, & My 100th Event!

March has been a month of celebrating women and leadership

mahmoodilstoy24

Mar 173 min read

Love Cultivates a Sense of Belonging in Schools

Love Cultivates a Sense of Belonging in Schools

Love Cultivates a Sense of Belonging in Schools

This February, every event I attended was a reminder of how much LOVE educators pour into their students all across Illinois.

mahmoodilstoy24

Mar 14 min read

Half a Year in Service: Honoring Belonging, Equity, and Leadership in Education

Half a Year in Service: Honoring Belonging, Equity, and Leadership in Education

Half a Year in Service: Honoring Belonging, Equity, and Leadership in Education

Inspired by leaders, moved by educators, and energized by future teachers—January was a journey of growth, gratitude, and belonging!

mahmoodilstoy24

Feb 103 min read

New Year, New Opportunities For IL Teacher of the Year to Advocate for Educators

New Year, New Opportunities For IL Teacher of the Year to Advocate for Educators

New Year, New Opportunities For IL Teacher of the Year to Advocate for Educators

January 2025 included the largest World Café- with the voices of 1,600 educators, and meeting w/ senator Cappe/ & Dept. Gov. of Ed. Torres

mahmoodilstoy24

Jan 173 min read

Tis the Season To Collaborate, Elevate, and Celebrate with Educators, Students, and Our Communities

Tis the Season To Collaborate, Elevate, and Celebrate with Educators, Students, and Our Communities

Tis the Season To Collaborate, Elevate, and Celebrate with Educators, Students, and Our Communities

This December, our efforts in fostering conversations about belonging in schools were affirmed with 25 World Cafés completed across Illinois

mahmoodilstoy24

Dec 31, 20243 min read

November Notes: Gratitude for the Voices of Future and Early-Career Educators

November Notes: Gratitude for the Voices of Future and Early-Career Educators

November Notes: Gratitude for the Voices of Future and Early-Career Educators

Hearing from aspiring high school educators, preservice, and early-career teachers highlights the power of their voices in shaping education

mahmoodilstoy24

Dec 3, 20244 min read

October Closes As A Month of Celebration, Connection, and Collaboration

October Closes As A Month of Celebration, Connection, and Collaboration

October Closes As A Month of Celebration, Connection, and Collaboration

As October rolled to a close, one theme shone brightly: the power of affirmations and amplifying voices to foster belonging in our schools.

mahmoodilstoy24

Nov 17, 20243 min read

Rolling into October Engagements: Starting with Amplifying Students' Voices

Rolling into October Engagements: Starting with Amplifying Students' Voices

Rolling into October Engagements: Starting with Amplifying Students' Voices

October Update: From Student Assemblies to Student Cafes-The month started with more opportunities to engage students in our conversations

mahmoodilstoy24

Nov 2, 20242 min read

World Cafés, Ladies Leading, and Student Voices: A Month of Advocacy in Illinois Education

World Cafés, Ladies Leading, and Student Voices: A Month of Advocacy in Illinois Education

World Cafés, Ladies Leading, and Student Voices: A Month of Advocacy in Illinois Education

September Update: Ladies Who Lead and Learn. School Visits New Lenox and Oak Park, State of Education in Aurora.

mahmoodilstoy24

Sep 30, 20242 min read

IL Schools are United in Our Search for Belonging

IL Schools are United in Our Search for Belonging

IL Schools are United in Our Search for Belonging

September Update: Eastern IL University, IATD, Lyons Township High School

mahmoodilstoy24

Sep 17, 20242 min read

Using World Cafes in Education Launched Across Illinois

Using World Cafes in Education Launched Across Illinois

Using World Cafes in Education Launched Across Illinois

World Cafes Launch starting in Aurora and LaGrange.

mahmoodilstoy24

Aug 31, 20242 min read

First Month as Illinois Teacher of the Year!

First Month as Illinois Teacher of the Year!

First Month as Illinois Teacher of the Year!

I had the opportunity to attend events supporting Autism awareness, Holocaust education, and Muslim students in our schools.

mahmoodilstoy24

Aug 1, 20241 min read

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