When Illyanna Lopez became a student teacher at Jefferson Middle School in 2016, she found her home for the next decade-plus. Since then, the math teacher has only added to her roles there, including starting a dance team nine years ago. This year will also be her fourth coaching the Champaign Central dance team.
I find my work important because ... middle school is such a crucial time for students. Outside of learning the content in their classes, they’re forming lifelong habits, discovering their hobbies and interests, learning how to be good friends and leaders in their community, and building confidence in who they are. It’s a big time for growth and change and I love being a small part of that!
I became a teacher because ... I’ve had great teachers along my way. My parents being my first teachers, then in school, and dance teachers growing up. Celebrities weren’t my role models ... my teachers were. It’s just something I’ve always felt came naturally to me.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is ... not necessarily a lesson, but setting Math MAP Testing goals with students and watching them achieve (and EXCEED!) their own goals. They are always so proud to tell me and it’s exciting for them to be excited about their own growth.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when ... students can’t wait to share a celebration with me. Whether it be something from my class, another class, extracurriculars, or anything else outside of school, I’m thankful they feel like they can share with me and we celebrate together!
I keep students engaged by ... keeping it real and setting high expectations! I do not have a “teacher persona” as I am me through and through and hopefully my students can see that I’m genuinely me!
Something else I’m passionate about is ... coaching dance. I started and coached the Jefferson Dance Team for nine years and am now going into my fourth year coaching the Champaign Central Dance Team. Dance is what fueled me growing up, helping me build confidence and learn to be resilient, so it’s fun to continue that passion but in a different role. It truly fuels my fire!
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was ... biology, but my favorite teacher is harder to pick because I’ve had so many great ones. Mrs. Funk and Mrs. Moeller from Fox Meadow Elementary School. Mr. Jaudon (Math) from Kenyon Woods Middle School. Mrs. Leisse (Biology), Mr. Allen (AP U.S. History) and Mrs. Kubek (Fashion) from South Elgin High School. And OF COURSE my dance educator, Donica Seminaro. They really impacted me as a student and now educator.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be ... a Disney pParks Imagineer! I’m full of ideas, if they’re looking :)
I’m spending my summer ... traveling through Asia! I’m spending 47 days through Japan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand! This trip helped me cross off a bucket list-item: officially visiting all seven Wonders of the World! See you all when I get home! :)
— ANTHONY ZILIS