An ELL teacher of 22 years, I believe this profession picked me at the ripe age of seven. I remember setting up a classroom, gathering my neighborhood friends, and pretending to be their teacher. Now the details of these early years escape me, but when it came time to choose a profession, I knew working with children would inspire my child-like spirit and set me on a path of continuous learning.
I am currently teaching at Robert Abbott Middle School, Waukegan, Illinois. And my work with children continuously reminds me to really listen, take deep breaths, and to work hard at building community.