Testimonials

Testimonials 2006

The TRIP program enabled me to solidify aspects of my personal pedagogy, which prepared me for
student teaching and my future teaching endeavors. The spirit of the city and people of Chicago is
contagious. Excitement surrounds your daily life and ultimately carries into your classroom. - Jacqueline
Henry, Miami University of Ohio – Teaching Resident 2006

TRIP has strengthened my ability to compare and contrast the facets within the educational system. I
also gained insight into my own teaching philosophy and what kind of impact I want to have on my
students. - Lauren Gugala, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor – Teaching Resident 2006

My experience with the CPS Teaching Residency program was invaluable. Not only was I much more
prepared for my student teaching experience, but I was able to experience living and working in Chicagothe
best city in the world! The lessons I learned inside and out of the classroom are ones I will take with
me throughout my career. - Carin Campbell, Saginaw Valley State University, Teaching Resident 2006

My experience teaching high school history this summer through the TRIP program both tested and
further affirmed and inspired my passion for teaching. I gained amazing experience in urban education as
well as professional development that has made my transition to student teaching so smooth. This
program was so rewarding on a personal level with the friendships I made, the opportunity to experience
Chicago in its prime, and on a professional level with the classroom experience as well as the component
of individual mentoring. The connections and friendships I made through the TRIP program have been so
rewarding and it is an amazing feeling to have a support system available as I prepare to embark on the
job search this fall. - Jessie Stewart, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor – Teaching Resident 2006

Last summer's TRIP program not only gave me a great advantage to gain more classroom & urban
experience, but also allowed me to learn and execute new ideas, meet great people, experience city life
like never before and make life long friends! - Krista Creighton, Central Michigan State University –
Teaching Resident 2006

TRIP not only gave me the confidence I needed to attempt a teaching career in an urban environment, but
it also gave me the experience that allowed urban school administrators to take a girl from Kentucky
seriously. - Jennifer Gholson, Murray State University – Teaching Resident 2006

The Chicago Public Schools Teaching Residency Program prepared me not only for my student teaching
experience but also for my first teaching position. This program took me to the next level professionally.
It was my most valuable experience. - Lisa Blatner, Western Illinois University – Teaching Resident 2006

The TRIP program opened my eyes to whole new dimensions of teaching, and gave me fresh insight as
well as first hand experience into the world of urban education. - Josh Kerr, University of Wisconsin at
Madison – Teaching Resident 2006

This program had a huge impact on my teaching career. I learned more from my 6 weeks in Chicago then
I could have ever imagined. - Ryan Peet, Central Michigan University – Teaching Resident 2006

As I embark on my career as a teacher I have the confidence necessary to handle whatever may arise, in
whatever type of classroom becomes mine, because of the experience and strategies I developed in the
TRIP program. - Kristen Riemersma, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor - Teaching Resident 2006

You only get a few chances in life for a once in a lifetime opportunity. The TRIP program is one. I gained
valuable experiences from this past summer that prepared me for both my student teaching and the job
market. - Amanda Slaten, Central Michigan State University – Teaching Resident 2006

The CPS TRIP program was an unforgettable experience. Employers constantly inquire about the
uniqueness of the program. Not only did I have the opportunity to participate in exciting and different
professional development seminars and classroom situations, but I met other pre-service teachers who
have become great friends! - Regina Saul, Illinois State University – Teaching Resident 2006

Having the opportunity to help teach summer school at CPS was a profound experience because I felt as
though I was truly impacting the lives of my students and has influenced my decision to work in an urban
setting. - Tanya Dudkina, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Teaching Resident 2006

I feel that the TRIP program has better prepared me for the daily thrills and challenges of teaching in an
urban environment than any other prior field experiences. It is a truly unique way to experience
classrooms in the inner city and to connect with the students who need us most. - Kate Whitfield,
University of Missouri at Columbia - Teaching Resident 2006

I really enjoyed learning about all of the many free resources that are offered for teachers and students
from museums and other organizations across Chicago. I have kept all of the information in a file and
know that when I have my own classroom I will utilize the fieldtrips, curriculum kits, discounts and other
services that are offered specifically for CPS teachers. - Carrie Cunniff, Xavier University – Teaching
Resident 2006

The CPS TRIP program is a wonderful opportunity to not only get some teaching experience in an urban
environment and experience the city of Chicago. I feel more prepared to teach in any environment
because of my experiences in the TRIP program. - Ashley Meyers, Michigan State University – Teaching
Resident 2006

The Teacher Residency Program exposed me to a classroom, otherwise I might not have seen. It gave me
confidence and moreover a sense of who I am as a future educator. - Amanda Baltikas, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Teaching Resident 2006

TRIP prepared me for student teaching in a way that no traditional education program can. It provided
me with countless educational resources, the chance to meet many fantastic friends, and opportunities to
fail and succeed in the classroom. TRIP gave me the opportunity to experience Chicago to its fullest. We
were able to attend a White Sox game, enjoy Lake Michigan, visit many museums, listen to well-know
educators, etc. I could go on and on with all the fun stuff we were able to. The most powerful part of the
summer was actually getting into the schools and teaching. I have never felt so needed and influential. I
learned more about teaching in six weeks than I did in three years at college. - Laura Folkerts, Northern
Illinois University – Teaching Resident 2006

Being a part of the Teaching Residency and Internship Program has not only prepared me for teaching in
my own classroom, but it has also prepared me for teaching within Chicago Public Schools and has even
orientated me to the city of Chicago. I would be very lost without having enjoyed the TRIP experience! -
Amanda Johnson, Bowling Green State University – Teaching Resident 2006

Legal Statement (Title IX): It is the policy of the Board of Education of the City of Chicago not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability or sex. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the regulations promulgated thereunder concerning sex discrimination should be referred to the Title IX Officer, Chicago Public Schools, 125 S. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois 60603, 773-553-2688 (TTY-773-553-2699).