After student teaching at Stratton Academy of the Arts in 2017 as a senior at the University of Illinois, Danielle Mallett said she became “attached” to her school.
As a French minor in college, the school’s French-English dual-language program at the school proved to be a perfect fit for the Chicago native, who also has a passion for understanding and influencing educational policy.
I find my work important because … as a teacher, I am shaping the future generation. My students need guidance from someone who genuinely has their best interests at heart, with love and care. They also need someone who can advocate for them and their families. Lastly, I think representation is so important for my students to have a role model of someone who looks like them to foster strong relationships and be a motivation to succeed.
I became a teacher because … it has been my passion since a very young age. When I was 13, I started working at a home daycare, and that’s when I discovered my true love for education. I enjoyed the creativity in making fun lessons and building relationships with kids. Teaching also motivates me to give my best every day, through creating learning experiences that leave a lasting impact on my students’ lives, and most importantly, helping them foster a positive relationship with school. I love coming into the classroom and eagerly waiting for my students’ reactions when I have something cool to teach or show them for the first time.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … during Black History Month, when my class focuses on one specific theme or subject, then my students do a project that includes research, a video/oral presentation and a visual arts representation, which usually goes in our hallway displays for our school’s annual Black History Month decorating contest. This year, we studied HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), and last year, we researched businesses from Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Okla. Another lesson I love to teach is how to count money. All of my students have the opportunity to participate in Candy Shop, where they use their fake money to buy things in my class store. We also have a class economy, in which they receive checks for classroom jobs, and have individual banks to put their money in. I also have other fun money games in my classroom, such as the Allowance Game, which I grew up playing when I was younger, too.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … my students make me laugh, are engaged with the lessons I teach, and take pride in learning French! I also enjoy interacting with all of my students’ families, learning about their culture, and being a part of their growing community.
I keep students engaged by … allowing them to be active participants in their learning and having fun when I teach. Some of my most engaging lessons are during math, French, Black History Month (social studies), and science. I ensure most of my lessons are either hands-on, include student interest, and encourage participation. Lastly, I try to ensure my students go on at least four field trips throughout the year to expand their learning outside of the classroom.
Something else I’m passionate about is … educational policy. I believe that teachers are agents of change, and education is the foundation for creating that. Educational policy includes laws and initiatives that impact our students and teachers nationwide, all the way down to the district level. I am very interested in the process of writing policies and would like to take part in being a voice that serves underrepresented communities.
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was … Mrs. Wesley and Mrs. Pajkos in sixth and seventh grade from Kellogg Elementary School in Chicago. Mrs. Wesley and Mrs. Pajkos are two well-respected teachers who set high expectations for their students and genuinely wanted to see us succeed. They pushed me to be my best and also taught me life skills and lessons that I’ll keep with me forever. My favorite subjects to study in school were math and French.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … a graphic designer. I love visual arts and design. In the past, I have taken clients for brand design/logo development. I currently have an Etsy store where I create and sell digital downloads.
I’m spending my summer … teaching, participating in professional development, visiting family and friends in Chicago, spending time with my children, and going to the pool.
— ANTHONY ZILIS