Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with an Outstanding Third-Grade Educator

Reem’s introduction to working in CPS was being part of our Tutor Corps while she was finishing up her college degree. That was a great experience for her, and now she is doing an amazing job in her first year leading a classroom of her own. She is so proud to be a product of CPS herself, so she loves this opportunity to give back as part of a school district that she knows so well. 

This year, we are celebrating Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week by showcasing some of our fantastic teachers who are just getting started in their careers. We interviewed Reem to learn more about what she has already accomplished as a teacher, as well as what she is looking forward to in the future. Get to know her more below!

What has your first year of teaching taught you about the qualities needed to be a successful educator? 

I have definitely learned about the importance of being able to think on your feet. You might plan an amazing lesson that does not go the way you expect it to. So, you have to figure out what to do next to fix it. At the end of the day, teaching can sometimes feel like you always have a crowd to please because your students are always waiting for what you do next. That’s why I’ve also found that it’s important to embellish your instruction and try to make it as fun for your students as possible. 

Can you share a memory or highlight from your first year that you know you’ll always remember? 

I was hired in my position a week before I graduated from college, and I was taking over for a teacher who was very seasoned and experienced. At my most recent report card pick-up day, I had a parent tell me that she asked her son if he thought he would like me as much as his other teacher. My student responded by saying that he already liked me and thought I was a great teacher. That gave me so much reassurance! 

What are some goals you have as an educator? 

I am still figuring out how to use a curriculum in the best way to meet my students’ needs. Also, in my first year, everything has felt like go, go, go. I think I can actually grow as an educator by taking a step back and a few breaths, and reminding myself that it’s okay to slow down sometimes. 

As a CPS alumnus yourself, what advice would you give to a current CPS student who wants to become a teacher? 

It can be easy to become distracted or discouraged, but just remember that you are living life for yourself, and you should remind yourself why you are pursuing that goal. It’s important to hold yourself accountable and realize that if you want to achieve that goal in the future, you need to apply yourself in the present. 

What is your message to your students? 

You’ve put in a lot of work this school year, and it’s been great to see how much you’ve progressed and how certain skills have gotten easier for you. You’re going to get a break very soon, and, when you come back in the fall, I know that you will be great.