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player ready...The teaching profession has been getting some pretty poor reports lately. Earlier this month, CBS news revealed the number of open positions in Illinois schools has jumped to 28%, with the president of the Illinois Education Association, Kathi Griffin, saying “I think what’s dissuading people from getting into the profession is that you have so much negativity that is out there about education, when in fact, it is one of the most amazing professions there is.”
Here in Naperville, the picture is less bleak, largely because of the huge amount of support and resources both our school districts give to their teachers.
Alex Mayster, executive director of communications for Naperville School District 203, tells me they have filled all their full-time certified positions, although they are still looking for substitute teachers. Lisa Barry, his counterpart at Indian Prairie School District 204, says they have more than 120 new teachers this year and are “very proud that 11% of them are graduates from our district.”
The shortage is not something that has happened overnight, according to Louis Lee, District 204’s assistant superintendent of human resources. Over the past 12 years, fewer students have been applying for teaching preparation programs, he said.
“The state is seeing a huge (problem with) unfilled position,” he said. “While there may be many variables present for the decline, the recent COVID-19 pandemic coupled with an increase in public criticism of the education profession have accelerated the effects that are causing the current shortage.”
The result is a decline in the number of applicants for teaching positions and unfilled teaching assistant and special education teaching jobs.
Despite this, Naperville school districts are attracting new teachers. I spoke with three of them about why they give their profession an A grade.
Shelby Winston, 27, is beginning her fifth year with a move to the Ann Reid Early Childhood Center in District 203. She’s in the process of moving here from Chicago.
“I began my career teaching in Chicago Public Schools but it was a challenge to work without resources and with a lot of children with significant trauma,” she said. “I switched to here because I feel I deserve to be in a district with partnerships and plentiful resources.”
Winston is now teaching a blended extended class, which is a mix of general population children and others with special needs.
“Pre-K stole my heart,” she admits. “This is the foundation of their education. They are so curious and have this passion to know more and I have the energy to give it to them. I’m an incredibly patient person and I want to bring my talent and patience to early childhood.”
Winston said while the pandemic certainly changed the way she taught, it didn’t change the way children learned.
“Zoom was incredibly tough with littles because they find it so hard to concentrate but I would include plenty of play time on camera to foster a community virtually,” she said.
Winston is the daughter of an educator, but says her mom tried to put her off the profession because “she wouldn’t make any money.”
“You have a lot of people who look down on it — think of the saying, ‘those who can’t, teach’ — but it’s the most rewarding but underrated career you could ever get into,” she said. “I do it for the love of children.”
Will Marshall, 24, began his teaching career last year at Burlington Central in Kane County but is beginning his second year with a fresh start at Naperville Central High School.
“I came out of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with book smarts about the ideal situation but was nothing compared to my actual experiences,” said Marshall, who comes from a family of educators.
“Now I have a year under my belt I’m working with more confidence,” he said.
Although he grew up in McHenry County, Marshall says he always knew of Naperville’s reputation.
“They understand it’s a partnership; the idea that it takes a village to provide for these kids,” he said. “I’m seeing a huge investment from teachers and administration for student success. It feels genuine and I’m excited to be the adult in their life who can encourage them.”
Marshall is teaching sophomore biology. He says his passion for science started when he was young, with a natural curiosity in the scientific world, he said.
“My why is that I found my heart for kids is huge,” he said. “You’re making lasting connections at a time of their life that is very influential. I love being able to be a resource and someone they can talk to. I think it’s the lasting relations, that’s what veteran teachers talk about.
“You never know who will be in your classroom. It’s just knowing you will be part of that child’s growth. I get to have a small part in helping a child find their identity and become a quality member of society.”
A graduate of Still Middle School and Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, 27-year-old Sarah Bailey is starting her first year as a special education teacher at Scullen Middle School in Naperville.
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“I did my undergraduate degree in pharmacy. I found science was OK but what I really liked was patient facing and really liked working with individuals with disabilities,” she said. “I was president of the Dance Ensemble at the University of Kentucky and we did outreach for students with moderate to severe special needs and I just loved it.”
After switching to psychology, Bailey completed a master’s degree at Aurora University and then subbed for a year in Lockport before returning to the Naperville school district.
“At first I liked working with little ones but found I clicked better with middle-schoolers,” she said. “This fall I am working at Scullen’s multi-needs, self-contained unit for various disabilities.”
Bailey says she’s passionate about helping students reach their full potential.
“I’m excited about joining a team of very experienced teachers and welcoming kids into the building,” she said. “It’s getting back to normal after the pandemic but we are still seeing learning loss. A lot have caught up but some are still struggling.”
Hilary Decent is a freelance journalist who moved from England to Naperville in 2007.