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. This month, I fulfilled my promise to elevate the voices of Illinois educators by sharing over 15,000 responses from their World Café data —first with State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders and later, in a subsequent meeting, with Illinois Deputy Governor of Education Martin Torres. These conversations reinforced how fortunate we are to have leaders in Illinois who value educators' voices and honor their wisdom. From empowering young women and guiding student teachers to fostering dialogue about belonging—and even making a surprise cameo on ABC News—I was lucky to engage with incredible educators, students, and leaders, strengthening the sense of community and purpose that defines our profession.

Here’s a look back at some moments that made this month unforgettable.

March 19 – Preparing Future Educators, Aurora University & Cultivating Belonging World Cafe in River Forest

I began the day presenting to over 100 student teachers at Aurora University, sharing my story, the journey of one of my students, and the importance of having a strong ‘why’ in education. I encouraged these soon-to-be teachers to reflect on their purpose, as it will guide them throughout their careers and shape the way they lead in their classrooms.

That evening, I traveled to River Forest School District to facilitate their very first World Café. Forty educators, administrators, and parents came together to brainstorm ways to ensure that all students feel a deep sense of belonging in their schools. The energy in the room was powerful, and I left feeling hopeful about the impact this dialogue will have on their community. I also ran into a friend- my TeahPlus colleague Lindsay Johnson!

March 20 – Educators Rising at Aurora University & Meeting with Dr. Tony Sanders

The next morning, I returned to Aurora University for the Partnership Breakfast, where high school students from Educators Rising, along with their sponsors and superintendents, gathered for an inspirational celebration. These students are the future of our profession, and I had the honor of sharing my journey—how my ‘why’ has guided me as an educator. It was a meaningful moment to encourage and further motivate these young leaders to pursue careers in education.

Meeting with IL State Superintendent - Later that day, I had the privilege of meeting with Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders to share the current findings of the World Café. We discussed the emerging themes and engaged in a thoughtful conversation about the connection between educator belonging and retention. This exchange was an example of how Dr. Sanders supports elevating educator voices to honor their experiences and agency.

March 24 – Women’s Empowerment Student Summit, Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202

Visiting my own children’s home district was particularly special. At the 2025 Women’s Empowerment Student Summit, strong female leaders and students came together to share their personal and professional journeys. I spoke about my own experiences as a student searching for belonging and how I overcame feelings of exclusion to become an educator dedicated to inclusivity. This event focused on building the leadership capacity of young women.

March 25 – The SHE Conference: Strength, Hope, and Empowerment, Dupage School District 88

I then traveled to Addison Trails High School for their first-ever SHE Conference, organized by my longtime friend and colleague, Dr. VaLarie Humphrey. She brought together 100 diverse high school girls to connect, network, and uplift one another. I hosted a World Café centered around increasing their sense of belonging. It was a powerful and emotional experience, and I was thrilled that this event even made the news! You can check out the segment here.

March 26 – Engaging Students Through Communal Learning, LaGrange 102

I visited LaGrange School District 102 for their Institute Day. I had the opportunity to lead a session on five strategies to engage students through communal behaviors in the classroom. It was a fantastic session. I walked away feeling grateful for the chance to exchange ideas with such a dedicated group of educators.

March 28 – Second Meeting with IL Deputy Governor Martin Torres

I had a second opportunity to meet with Illinois Deputy Governor of Education, Martin Torres. The first time we met, I had only half the World Café data; this time, I shared double the insights. We had an in-depth discussion about how this data could inform policy at the state level, reinforcing the value of educators’ perspectives in shaping the future of education in Illinois.