Get to Know Luke, a Teach Chicago Tomorrow Scholar

Teach Chicago Tomorrow is the District’s innovative program to help CPS graduates become CPS teachers in just four years. Through partnerships with higher education partners, this program provides students with a structured pathway to help them reach their dream of becoming an educator. 

One of the members of the latest cohort of Teach Chicago Tomorrow scholars is Luke, a current freshman at Truman College and a recent graduate of Bogan High School. Luke explains that his desire to become a teacher grew during his senior year of high school as he reflected on all the ways he was well-prepared for this career path, from assisting teachers in elementary school to working with kids at his church.

Now, he feels confident that this program is exactly what he needs to help him achieve future success. Get to know him more below.

Why did you want to be part of the Teach Chicago Tomorrow program? 

I’m a bit of a procrastinator and felt like I was leaving preparing for my future to the last minute, so this program was a real lifesaver. It will provide me with many different opportunities and useful experiences that connect to the field I’m going to go into. I feel like it pushes me to do my part while also knowing that there is support to help me grow. 

Is there a specific type of teaching you are looking to pursue? 

Kindergarten. I feel like it’s a natural fit. I have a sister who is 10 years younger than me, and I help her out with her homework. What we do in our everyday lives is like a whole new world for kindergarten students, and I feel like I have the patience to help them grow. 

What other qualities do you think it’s important for a kindergarten teacher to have? 

Kindness, for sure. You are going to make a big impression on your students because you are probably one of the first adults in their lives who isn’t a part of their families. Their minds are still soft and moldable, and they might be really nervous about attending you. You need to be kind because they are going to look up to you and spend a lot of time with you. 

How is your freshman year of college going so far? 

It’s been going pretty well. Of course, it’s a big transition, so it was a little nerve-wracking, but I was able to participate in the STEAMbassadors program over the summer. I made a lot of great friends through that program, and they also attend Truman so that definitely helped with my transition. 

What are some of your goals for the rest of the year? 

I want to finish the year with at least a 3.0 GPA. I also want to rely on myself more to accomplish my goals. I want to be mature enough to continue progressing without having to fall back on anyone. It’s healthy to need to reach out to others for help, but I don’t want to become too dependent. 

Do you think CPS should have more programs like Teach Chicago Tomorrow? 

Definitely. Teach Chicago Tomorrow is a lifesaver for a lot of people who are graduating from high school. If we have more programs like it, I feel like the future will be a little better than it is now. 

If you could describe Teach Chicago Tomorrow in one word, what would it be and why? 

Extraordinary. Teaching is one of the most important jobs on earth, and this program is giving us the opportunity to become great teachers.