That’s a Wrap, June! Reflecting on a Month of Rest, Impact, and Transition
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June marked the final chapter of my official journey as the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year. While I spent much of the month in Pakistan visiting my in-laws, resting, recharging, and reconnecting with family after a whirlwind year, I still found space to participate in meaningful events that centered equity, belonging, and the powerful voices of educators. As I begin to pass the torch and transition back into the classroom, I remain grateful to every individual, school, and organization that joined me in lifting the message that belonging matters in our schools.
Here's a look back at where I’ve been this past month, what I’ve been working on, and a preview of what’s ahead:
June Highlights
June 22–23 | Bloomington-Normal – I-Grow Summit - This summit, organized by the talented Dr. Tron Young, brought together educators and leaders of color from across Illinois for powerful learning, networking, and community-building. I had the privilege of presenting my story and facilitating a World Café session, alongside attending transformative talks by my dear colleagues:
Tony Bradburn on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy
Sofia Gonzalez on Strategies for Student Liberation
Briana Morales (2023 ILTOY) on her organization, Sisterhood of Hope
June 25th - IEA Opportunity Coalition Panel-- I joined an inspiring panel with Laura Gonzalez, ISBE Board Member, and Adriana Caballero, IEA Director, through the Illinois Education Association’s Opportunity Coalition. We tackled the question: How can we work together to build a future where every student—no exceptions—receives a fully resourced, high-quality education? Our shared answer: The time for equitable education is now.
June 26th - Northeastern Illinois University Partnership Lunch- Back in Chicago, I visited Northeastern Illinois University. They brought together professors, deans, students, and mentor teachers to lead a World Café session exploring how we can increase feelings of belonging, not just on campus, but in K–12 classrooms as pre-clinical and student teachers enter the field.
June 27 - ISBE Office Visit – Full Circle Moment - I returned to the Illinois State Board of Education office in Chicago for a full-circle moment—meeting Victor Gomez, our 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year, during his onboarding. It was surreal to sit in the same space I had just one year ago. We enjoyed lunch by the river and talked about his advocacy for bilingual STEM education. I couldn’t be more thrilled for him and all of the opportunities he will have this year.
🎧 New Podcast Episodes: Equity Teacher Leader
Two new episodes of my podcast, Equity Teacher Leader, dropped this month on YouTube and Spotify:
🎙 Episode 12 – with Ashley Kannan 2023 Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year, Teach Plus Senior Fellow, and Middle School Social Studies Teacher. We explore how educators can leverage their stories and student stories as an advocacy tool in policy.
🎙 Episode 13 – with Michelle Zurita-Sharpe- 2024 Early Childhood Educator of the Year, and CPS Early Childhood Educator. We discussed how different inequities in early childhood leader to preschool and childcare deserts, and how we can help!
Looking Ahead: Summer Preview
Though my sabbatical year is officially ending, my commitment to equity and educator voice is far from over! Here’s where I’ll be in July and August:
July 9 Third Meeting with IL Deputy Governor Martin Torres- I am excited to be meeting again with Dep. Gov. Torres to discuss findings from the World Cafe, as well as concerns and actions that came about from the World Cafe findings. Proud to be in a state that supports educators.
July 31 | Illinois State Literacy Conference – Keynote Speaker- Hosted by ISBE, ROE 17, and Illinois State University, I’ll be keynoting a conference focused on: “Valuing and Affirming Learners Through Equitable, High-Quality, Evidence-Based Literacy Education.” This conference will be at ISU, with 300+ educators, including Literacy Leadership Institute school teams. Register here.
July 16-22 Space Camp, Huntsville, Alabama - I will be heading down to Space Camp with the state teachers of the year to participate in astronaut training in hopes of bringing home some amazing space education ideas and lessons.
August 6th, 11th, and 18th | Tri-Valley & Riverside District Trainings- I’ll be supporting educators at the Tri-Valley School District student conference through training sessions and the following week, facilitating World Cafes at both Kankakee School District and Riverside School District. These are always some of my favorite spaces to be—where strategy, stories, and heart meet in real-time with amazing educators.
August 12th | ISBE Board Meeting – Exit Reflection- I’ll return to the ISBE boardroom one last time to share my exit speech and reflections on my sabbatical journey—a moment to celebrate all we’ve accomplished and look ahead with hope.
August 18th | Back to School – New Grade, New Adventure- This fall, I return to Indian Prairie School District 204—my home—with a new role teaching 4th grade at Wayne Builta Elementary School. It’s an opportunity I’m incredibly excited for!
Coming Soon: The World Café Reflections Project
Many of you have asked about the insights and stories from the World Café sessions I’ve led across the state. I’m currently working on compiling these learnings into a shareable format—stay tuned for a resource that highlights how we can cultivate true belonging in our schools. In the meantime, check out the article in the Aurora Beacon or the article in Chalkbeat, which both share some of what I have learned.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Just because the title changes doesn’t mean the work stops. I’ll continue offering keynotes, PD, and workshops throughout the year. I have multiple bookings through the fall and into 2026 year. If you're interested in bringing the World Café Experience or an equity-focused workshop to your school or organization, let’s connect:
www.mahmood-ilteacheroftheyear.com/contact
Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and belief in the power of teachers to lead transformational change.
In gratitude,
Dr. Rachael Mahmood
2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year