Testimonials

Testimonials 2005

"If you have a passion for teaching and a willingness to help others succeed, you should check this out. This one summer has opened my eyes and gave me the experience and solutions for future classroom struggles. The collaboration amongst your fellow peers is fantastic! Not only do you have others to talk to, but friends that will stay with you. CPS finds the best and the brightest from across this nation." - Joshua Yee, Northern Illinois University - Summer Fellows 2005

Being a part of the CPS program has been an experience I will always cherish and take with me when I have my own classroom. Having the opportunity to impact the lives of children who come from diverse backgrounds was rewarding; however, what really made this program unforgettable were the countless ways the children impacted my life. In addition, the amount of resources, advice, and support this program equipped me with was more than I could have asked for. Teaching internships as unique as the CPS program do not come around too often. - June Park, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Summer Fellow 2005

The experience I received as a summer fellow was absolutely valuable. You get the experience of student teaching before it actually happens. I became more familiar in the classroom and feel much more confident in front of the classroom. - Aracely Guitierrez, DePaul University - Summer Fellow 2005

The time I spent was unlike any other clinical hours I've experienced. The children, teachers, and staff were all so welcoming to us! - Karen Muren, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

I found the Fellows Program to have covered such a broad range of issues and events that are important to being an effective CPS teacher and resident of Chicago. The Fellows Program not only helped me meet other like-minded pre-service teachers, but also exposed me to the culturally rich city of Chicago. My involvement in this program not only solidified my decision to work for CPS, but also made me more knowledgeable about what it takes to be successful in this field. - Falilat Shokunbi, DePaul University - Summer Fellow 2005

My experience with the CPS Summer Fellows Program was unique and awesome. I learned much about myself in my future teaching career. The professional development seminars and workshops have been valuable input for my teaching. I am currently student teaching this semester, and will implement the things I have learned from the CPS internship. I met some great people, and established a wonderful relationship with my scool site. The internship is a direct way to see how the Chicago Public School system works, and I was privileged to be a part of it! - Miriam Gonzalez, Northeastern Illinois University - Summer Fellow 2005

As a result of my experiences within the classroom during my CPS Summer Fellows Internship, I was much more comfortable entering the classroom as a student-teacher. The entire CPS Summer Fellows Program was enjoyable, but the keynote speakers, such as Esme Raji Codell and Dr. David Stovall, were definitely a highlight for me. The energy and enthusiasm of these exemplary educators made me proud to be joining this profession and increased my excitement for becoming an effective educator. This program solidified my desire to teach in an urban environment and gave me many wonderful ideas how to capitalize on the educational resources in a city like Chicago. - Krista Miller, Bluffton University - Summer Fellow 2005

My experience teaching in a CPS classroom was invaluable. The guidance and support I received from my mentor teacher helped me gain confidence, and working with the students was challenging, yet extremely rewarding. I cannot think of a better way to prepare for student teaching than this program. - Coreen Uhl, University of Michigan - Summer Fellow 2005

With the support of my mentor and supervising, teacher, I was able to forge a meaningful presence in the classroom. During my time within the classroom, I truthfully understood the concept of reciprocal learning, I learned more from my students than I could ever imagine. - Alyssa Tomasik, Michigan State University - Summer Fellow 2005

The CPS Summer Fellows program provided an ample and varied amount of professional development activities. From a breakfast with Mayor Daley and CEO Arne Duncan to classroom management presentations, renowned speakers in the education world, panels of principles and informative seminars on the Chicago Public School system, this program opened the door to the profession of urban teaching. - Shannon McNicholas, DePaul University - Summer Fellows 2005

The professional development we received exceeded all of my expectations. Veteran CPS teachers offered advice and guidance; renowned experts in urban education informed and inspired us; and seminars focused on everything from classroom management to portfolios. - Coreen Uhl, University of Michigan - Summer Fellow 2005

The workshops provided us with practical information that we could apply immediately to our classroom. The speakers we learned from were not only experts in their field, but many also had experience teaching in the Chicago Public School system. The panels helped us prepare for teaching as we learned information first-hand from current teachers and principals. - Maureen Coogan, DePaul University - Summer Fellow 2005

The program was a good experience. Its more than just teaching; its learning how to work with others, adapt to change, and working with Chicago Public Schools. - Lynette Hampton, Southern University and A&M College - Summer Fellows 2005

I cannot describe how beneficial the CPS Summer Fellows program was for re-emphasizing my decision to become a professional educator. From the "theories and methods of teaching" seminars to the hands-on experience in the classroom, I walked away from the summer with confidence, knowledge, experience and desire to teach in the urban environment of the Chicago Public Schools. - Shannon McNicholas, DePaul University - Summer Fellows 2005

I loved my time in CPS, and made friends that will last a lifetime! I'd recommend this program to anyone! - Karen Muren, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

I loved working as a CPS intern this past summer. I had the opportunity to teach in an urban classroom, experience the city from multiple perspectives, and form lasting connections and friendships that have been both professionally and personally enriching. - Coreen Uhl, University of Michigan - Summer Fellow 2005

Shortly after my fellowship, I began my student teaching, and I felt more confident in the classroom and my career choice to be a teacher. It is an experience that will last a lifetime. - Maureen Coogan, DePaul University - Summer Fellow 2005

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