Take Five with Elizabeth Morales, School Clerk at Brighton Park Elementary School

Take Five is a series that highlights some of the many members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our schools. If you know someone who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

This month, Elizabeth Morales is celebrating 30 years with both CPS and her school community at Brighton Park Elementary! Ms. Morales has worn many hats at Brighton Park, from SECA and Teacher Aid when she first arrived to now supporting families and staff with administrative work as the school’s clerk. 

“Because she’s been here across multiple generations, Ms. Morales recognizes current parents from when they were students. Her own children even came to school here,” says Dr. Haas, principal at Brighton Park. “We are excited to have her receive the recognition she deserves!”

Before joining the District, Ms. Morales was pursuing a certification as an EKG technician, and never imagined herself working in a school. Now, though, she prides herself on fostering a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who enters Brighton Park.

“My goal is always to make sure that the parents are happy and that they feel safe to leave their child here at school,” says Ms. Morales. “I want to make sure their questions are answered, and that they know our doors are always open for them.” 

Learn more about Ms. Morales and her career below!

How would your school community describe you? 

They would describe me as an energetic and proud Puerto Rican who’s always smiling! In the 30 years I’ve worked here, I’ve gotten to know many members of our school community personally, so many parents tend to describe me as part of their family.

What brings you back to Brighton Park year after year?

I absolutely love my job. I love working with parents, students, and teachers. When you love your job, you come to it every single day and stay on top of things to get the best results. A handful of people have asked me if I plan to retire anytime soon, and my answer is always no!

What is a piece of advice you’d give to first-year clerks? 

My advice to new clerks is to always be open to meeting new people with different personalities. Take the time to get to know your school community, and always be willing to help out. And if you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask for help yourself! Even after many years, I still reach out to neighboring clerks when I have questions. 

What is your message to your school community as they start the new year?

Keep on going and keep on reaching for the stars. I always tell the kids, no matter what's going on out in the world beyond these walls, try to reach for the stars, because their education is important. They all know that they're safe here, and they're here to learn. 

What is something you like to do outside of work? 

What I like to do outside of work is stay home and just relax. I love my evenings after work; I love watching movies and game shows. But mostly, I love to go camping. A lot of people at school know that when the summer comes, Ms. Morales is out and she's camping on the weekends!