Learning and Growing Every Day: Take Five with Carrie Kostka

Take Five is a series that highlights members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our students. All throughout the 2024–25 school year, we will be spotlighting our amazing CPS teachers! If you know a teacher who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

Meet Carrie Kostka, a reading and writing special education teacher at James Shields Middle School in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood. Ms. Kostka started at Shields as a substitute teacher almost 20 years ago and has never left!

Ms. Kostka was motivated to become an educator in part because of the difficulties she experienced as a student herself. She consistently struggled in class, and didn’t always receive the supports she needed. As an adult, Ms. Kostka was diagnosed with ADHD, and suddenly her experiences in school made a lot more sense. Now, Ms. Kostka works every day to empower her students and help them understand that there is no shame in having a disability.

Read more of Ms. Kostka’s story below!

You had undiagnosed ADHD as a student. How does this experience impact you as an educator now?

I don’t have to put myself in my students’ shoes, because I’ve literally been where they are. I understand the experience of being different from the kid sitting next to you, and I remember wishing I had support and someone to guide me. I make sure to provide that support to my students now. I am a fierce advocate when it comes to their needs, I am student-first always, and I am committed to building trusting relationships in my classroom.

What’s most fulfilling about your work?

It’s the opportunity to keep learning and growing every day. The most amazing people have come in and out of Shields over the years, and I’ve learned so much from them. I’m also super motivated by all of the growth I see every day!

You’ve been a teacher for almost 20 years. Do you have any advice for fellow educators who are earlier in their careers?

Be a lifelong learner, and don’t stay stagnant. The world is constantly changing, and you have to be prepared to keep evolving and adapting. I’m not saying you’re going to flip 180 degrees on every worldview you have, but stay open to new knowledge and experiences, and keep moving forward. That’s what our students deserve!

What are your biggest goals for your students?

My number one goal is for my students to believe that they’re important. I want them to learn that their disability is not going to be something that prevents them from succeeding. I want them to understand their strengths and that it’s cool to be different.

What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?

I love hanging out and going to Dave & Buster’s with my husband and two children—Lily is a fifth grader and Joey is a first grader. I also love learning about psychology and listening to podcasts. Speaking of podcasts, I’m working with students to start one of our own here at Shields! We’re still working on the details, but we want it to showcase different perspectives around the school and celebrate the spirit and culture of our community.