Testimonials

Testimonials 2004

I had an absolutely amazing experience this past summer that just solidified my decision to student teach and hopefully someday teach in Chicago. I met a wonderful group of people; got to experience the city like every young person should, and learned so much about teaching in the classroom. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in working with children in an open and exciting city. - Kira Ringness, Illinois State University - Summer Fellows 2004

The CPS Summer Fellows Program is a great way to sample the life of a CPS teacher. I would suggest that you come with an open mind and be prepared to work. The students have many needs, but giving to them is so rewarding. I wasn't sure that I had what it takes to teach in the city. Summer Fellows gave me the confidence in my own ability, and I hope to join CPS after my graduation. - Maria Dvorak, Illinois State University - Summer Fellows 2004

As a supervising teacher, I enjoyed assisting the Summer Fellow participants in ensuring that their classroom experiences were positive. The reflective sessions and the special events around the city were a great way for the Summer Fellows to develop a rapport with each other as well as with me. - Ericka Yarn, Hamline Elementary School - Supervising Teacher, Summer Fellows 2004

I am a Chicago native and have never experienced Chicago the way we did with the Summer Fellows Program. I went to museums I had never been to before, toured some of Chicago's most historic neighborhoods, and met plenty of young adults and powerful leaders interested in helping children. On top of all of that I was able to open my mind up to different cultures and experience what it is like to teach in a Chicago Public School while helping the students who need it most. This program is truly an opportunity worth grabbing and I would recommend it to anyone interested in teaching in a metropolitan school district. - Graham Gazdziak, Illinois College - Summer Fellows 2004

I had a very meaningful, worthwhile experience this summer doing the Summer Fellows Program. I am doing my student teaching currently for a Chicago Public School on the south west side of Chicago. I am using what I learned during the internship in my classroom. My mentor teacher and I are discussing a field trip to one of the museums we visited during the Summer Fellows internship. - Carolyn Schalansky, Western Illinois University - Summer Fellows 2004

As a supervising teacher for the CPS Summer Fellows Program, I was able to help guide the teaching practices of fresh new teachers. While watching them and their mentor teachers teach, I was able to not only offer suggestions but also learn new skills and techniques myself. I feel as though I and the mentor teachers found a new sense of enthusiasm with the teaching profession from taking part in this program. - Megan Guerin, Skinner Elementary School - Supervising Teacher, Summer Fellows 2004

I can't imagine a better way than the CPS Summer Fellows Program to learn about educating in an urban setting. Summer Fellows will introduce you to a truly amazing group of educators who have the same goals that you do. It will prepare you more thoroughly for student teaching than you could ever dream of, and it will help you develop as a professional and a person. Most importantly, it will introduce you to a great city and an incredible group of students. I will always look back on this experience with fond memories of the people I worked with and an appreciation for the career opportunities it offered me. - Anne Accurso, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Summer Fellows 2004

The experience of being a supervising teacher for the CPS Summer Fellows Program was outstanding! It empowered me as a teacher to be able to be a positive force for new prospective CPS teachers! - Paula Landon, Burnside Scholastic Academy - Supervising Teacher, Summer Fellows 2004

The 2004 CPS Summer Fellows Program was the best and most rewarding experience of my life! I met many people and made friends from universities and colleges all over the country. I learned what it takes to be a CPS teacher and that I have what it takes to be a great one. Where else can you get a job opportunity, invaluable experience and get paid for it? The CPS Summer Fellows Program invests in you and your future. The program is outstanding. The added bonus? You get to spend six fun-filled culturally enriching weeks in the best city in the world - Chicago. - Beverly Bass, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville - Summer Fellows 2004

Serving as a Supervising Teacher was a rewarding experience for me. It has been amazing to serve as a witness to the energy, creativity and devotion that the Fellows bring to each teaching experience. In just a short time, these young men and women had a tremendous impact on their students, both academically and personally. Also, the Fellows' youth and enthusiasm served as an inspiration to the more seasoned teaching community that they were surrounded by, reminding teachers of how fun teaching can really be! - Beth Nessner, Skinner Elementary School - Supervising Teacher, Summer Fellows 2004

Participating in a program such as the CPS Summer Fellows Program should be mandatory for all students pursuing education. The hands-on experiences - working with a mentor teacher, the professional development workshops, the reflective seminars and the social events - allowed me to grow as a future educator and develop a better appreciation and understanding of the vocation. - Bridget LeClair, Marquette University, Summer Fellows 2004

My summer internship was challenging and fun from beginning to end. Having the opportunity to meet, learn and grow in a setting of diverse educators was absolutely fantastic. The cultural activities, tours, professional development sessions and the hands-on educational experiences are unforgettable. Being part of the CPS Summer Fellows Program gave me a sense of accomplishment; it was the best teaching preparation experience ever. If you aspire to be an effective teacher in the Chicago Public Schools, this program is definitely for you. - Janie Pittman-Christie, National-Louis University, Chicago, Summer Fellows 2004

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