blog navigation

Student Spotlight
All Results

blog posts

  • Yudany Diaz

    Yudany Diaz | Everyone is Worthy of a Good Education

    Jan 26, 2022 3:00 pm70 views

    Yudany is a freshman in the College's Secondary Education minor program. Her major is History, and she's also double-minoring in Spanish. But Yudany's end goal is a becoming a school administrator, where she can affect change and progress on educational systems and help all students feel safe and be supported. 

  • Xue Yan Chen | Research Grant for Capstone Project

    Jan 31, 2019 12:15 pm108 views

    Learning and Education Studies Senior, Xue Yan Chen received a $1,050 Undergraduate Research Support grant for her capstone project. She is working to develop an interactive prototype application grounded in the keyword method and usability testing to access effectiveness on Spanish vocabulary recall and comprehension.

  • Xosa Cox

    Xosa Cox | "It has always been a dream of mine to support others and understand cultures on a global scale."

    Oct 27, 2022 4:00 pm84 views

    Xosa Cox, a Learning and Education Studies Major from Chicago Heights, IL is our Student Spotlight this week.

  • Xochtil's professional headshot

    Xochitl Mondragon | Reflection and Gratitude

    May 6, 2021 3:00 pm141 views

    As the school year comes to a close, we reflect on our growth and look to the future. Elementary Education senior Xochitl Mondragon is taking this time of reflection to show her gratitude to the educators that got her where she is today. From formative years spent with outstanding grade school teachers, to the inspirational difference teachers made on her young niece, to the guidance and "pure heart" of professors in the College of Education, this Teacher Appreciation Week (and every week) we celebrate teachers. Now, as Xochtil says her goodbyes to Illinois, she prepares to join the ranks of impactful educators everywhere.

  • Sydney Stephens

    Sydney Stephens | "Teachers are the foundation for everything."

    Jan 19, 2023 4:00 pm355 views

    Sydney Stephens is a junior Elementary Education major and student-athlete on the Illinois Soccer team.

  • Shelby Oertel | Goodbye, Comfort Zone

    Nov 19, 2020 3:00 pm160 views

    Freshman Shelby Oertel is stepping out of her comfort zone and into opportunity this year! There's a lot to take in at Illinois, and that's precisely why she's here. Shelby is looking forward to Illini basketball seasons and all the new friendships to come in the four years ahead of her. Most of all, Shelby is looking forward to gaining "The best perspective to further my professional development and allow me to help shift the workplace dynamic" through the College of Education.

  • Shelby Oertel

    Shelby Oertel | A Passion for Adult Learning

    Sep 22, 2022 4:00 pm219 views

    "I have a passion for adult learning."

  • Sharon smiles in her yard

    Sharon Stagaman | Finding Her Niche

    Apr 22, 2021 3:00 pm117 views

    Graduation is just around the corner for Elementary English and Spanish major Sharon Stagaman. Since watching her father become an educator in her childhood, Sharon knew she wanted to follow in his footsteps one day. But carving your own path is no small task, and Sharon credits finding her niche in the education field to the diverse learning experiences at the College of Education. "I feel really prepared to graduate with experiences at different types of schools across grade levels, and I feel so lucky that these experiences started junior year to help me solidify that teaching is what I want to do."

  • Sean Gardiner | Opened Eyes

    Oct 22, 2020 3:00 pm409 views

    Sean Gardiner, a Junior in English and Secondary Education, has learned so much on his undergraduate journey. His favorite lessons so far are the tough truths of the inequality in our education system. Sean says this of his Identity and Difference in Education class, "It truly opened my eyes to the imbalances in our education system and in our world today as a whole. I have recommended it to many of my friends, even those that are not in the College of Education."

  • Sara poses next to a mural that reads "Great Minds Think Illinois"

    Sara Striepling | Community, Opportunity, and Balance

    Mar 4, 2021 3:00 pm113 views

    Whether it's growing alongside her peers in her cohort, ushering a show at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, patronizing local businesses, or exploring her passion of special education, Sophomore Sara Striepling values the community she has found in Champaign-Urbana. Most of all, she appreciates the balanced life as a College of Education student, remarking "It's great to have the opportunities and experiences that come with going to a large university while still having small and personal classes." 

  • Sam Fishman | Student Teaching

    Feb 14, 2019 2:15 pm235 views

    Special Education major, Sam Fishman is currently student teaching at Jefferson Middle School in Champaign. He says working with his 8th graders has been the highlight of his college career thus far. Sam is in a co-taught english and math period working with four students in a Tier 3 math intervention class.

  • Ryan Eleveld

    Ryan Eleveld | Making School Feel Like Home

    Oct 6, 2022 4:00 pm133 views

    Ryan Eleveld has a passion for science and teaching. The senior Specialized Chemistry major and Secondary Education minor can't wait to get into the classroom. Learn more about Ryan in this week's student spotlight.

  • RJ Schlesinger | Breaking the Mold

    Oct 8, 2020 10:00 am354 views

    Senior RJ Schlesinger's skills and interests are totally unique. At Illinois, RJ doesn't have to fit into one category-he can make his own! Through research, courses, and mentorship from his professors, RJ is taking all he has learned and sharing it by becoming an educator. RJ says "I want to teach! It’s equal parts exciting and terrifying, but I am up to the challenge!"

  • Rayna Zirkelbach | The Road Worth Taking

    Dec 10, 2020 3:00 pm43 views

    Transferring to a new school can be challenging, but for Rayna, the warm environment of the University of Illinois made the transition an easy one. Once Rayna was welcomed with open arms to campus, she soon found her place in the College of Education, but not how you might think. When asked about her decision to become an educator, she replied, "I didn’t know for a long time. On a whim I got a job at a daycare, and this is where I fell in love with education. I knew I wanted to do this as my career." Rayna's story is a great example that you don't have to have it all figured out right away. Sometimes the longer road is the one worth taking! 

  • Raina Kutliroff | Finding Your Path

    Aug 27, 2020 12:00 pm112 views

    When Raina started at Illinois, she thought her fun and creative spirit meant the arts was where she belonged. But she found herself missing something in her major, eventually realizing she could use her artistic skills as a full time educator, making the College of Education her new home. Raina’s story reminds us all that as we start a new school year, it's okay to not have it all figured out. Trust yourself on your journey, and everything will work out for the best! 

  • University of Illinois elementary-education graduate Nia Curtis of Chicago

    Nia Curtis: The graduate

    May 10, 2020 7:00 pm245 views

    By now, every corner of our community has been touched by the coronavirus pandemic. As he will until the crisis subsides, Anthony Zilis spent an eighth week telling the stories of those affected. He recently spoke with Nia Curtis, Elementary Education major and soon-to-be graduate, in his 'Coronavirus and the Community' series.

  • Nia Curtis | A Trip to South Africa

    Jan 24, 2019 10:30 am177 views

    Last summer, Elementary Education Junior Nia Curtis took an 18-hour flight out of the country for the first time. She met her mother, a high school English teacher and Fulbright Recipient, in South Africa. Over the summer they traveled to Botswana, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Zimbabwe.

  • Natalie O'Callaghan | An Advocate For Fellow Illini

    Mar 7, 2019 11:30 am294 views

    Elementary Education Senior, Natalie O'Callaghan has loved being part of the Illini family. One of the things that has made her Illinois experience memerable was getting involved with Illinois Student Government and the UC Campus Senate as the College of Education Student Senator. She considers herself lucky to have the opportunity to advocate for both Education students as well as University students as a whole. 

  • Nancy Lazaro | President of Golden Apple Illini

    Feb 28, 2019 12:45 pm142 views

    In middle school, Nancy had no idea what college was. But after one of her teachers inspired her to be an educator, she learned about Big Ten schools and Illinois.

    Today, Nancy is a Senior Golden Apple Scholar and president of Golden Apple Illini. She has also worked as a tutor with America Reads/America Counts.

  • Morgan Murphy | A Childhood Dream Come True

    Sep 17, 2020 12:00 pm40 views

    Freshman Morgan Murphy has dreamed of being a teacher since childhood.

    "I love teaching children something new and exciting. Seeing their faces light up with knowledge gives me a sense of pride and happiness."

    Read more on Morgan's goals and aspirations at Illinois and beyond!

  • Mike Rotter | Illini 4000 Ride in Honor of Dr. David Zola

    Apr 4, 2019 10:30 am133 views

    Special Education Sophomore Mike Rotter is gearing up for his second summer with the Illini 4000 group. This year, his 4000 mile ride is dedicated to his first and favorite college professor: Dr. David Zola. 

  • Mike Rotter | Illini 4000

    Sep 5, 2019 4:15 pm105 views

    Special Education Junior Mike Rotter spent his summer riding a bike across the country from New York City to San Francisco with the Illini 4000 team. Every summer the group sets out on their cross-country adventure to raise money for cancer research and support services.

  • Melia Watson | Making the Classroom a Home

    Sep 10, 2020 12:00 pm42 views

    Junior Melia Watson explored many education paths before finding her calling in Special Education. The comfort and acceptance extended to Melia on her journey by the College of Education is something she will take with her to a future classroom of her own. For students who come from backgrounds with less opportunity, the classroom doubles as a place to call home. 

  • Matthew Sondag | Inspired To Change

    Feb 7, 2019 9:15 am201 views

    Junior Matthew Sondag's choice to pursue Early Childhood Education was inspired by the quote, "To see the change, you must create the change." His goal is to create a classroom that promotes acceptance, respect, kindness, and the love of learning. 

  • Marisol Jimenez | Outstanding Award For Outstanding Research

    May 9, 2019 11:00 am224 views

    Senior Learning & Education Studies Marisol Jimenez was awarded Oustanding Oral Presentation at the 2019 Illinois Undergraduate Research Symposium for her research on the reform acts in Chicago from 1980 to 2015 and their push for the standarization and accountability movement.

  • Madison on the beach

    Madison Barrera | "Always Demonstrate Care"

    Feb 25, 2021 3:00 pm111 views

    Ever since she saw the increasing need for special education teachers firsthand in her Chicago high school, sophomore Madison Barrera has been a strong advocate for inclusivity in the education system. Through her studies as a Special Education major and Speech Language Pathology minor, Madison is practicing the belief that educators have the power to make lasting positive impacts on every student. She says, "Our job is to keep all of our students in our minds with every decision and always demonstrate care for our students’ success."

  • Lucille Luan | Miles Away, Always at Home

    Dec 3, 2020 3:00 pm195 views

    Senior Lucille Luan traveled far from her family in Cupertino, California to pursue an education at Illinois, but she's always at home with the College of Education. Lucille comes from a family of educators, and says "I was naturally drawn to the idea of becoming a teacher since my early exposure to family members who were teachers! My grandma, my dad, and my previous professors and teachers are all strong influences."

  • Sophomore Lily Greenberg

    Lily Greenberg | Advocating for Marginalized Students

    Sep 16, 2021 3:00 pm72 views

    Meet Lily Greenberg, an Elementary Education major who feels strongly that kids of all different backgrounds deserve a teacher who they feel represents them.

  • Lesly Ortega

    Lesly Ortega | "Teaching is the only path for me"

    Apr 1, 2021 3:00 pm56 views

    Junior Lesly Ortega feels that the path to teaching is the only one for her, and has felt this way since childhood. As an English major and Secondary Education minor, Lesly has enjoyed her courses in and out of the College of Education, and looks forward to returning to her high school as an English teacher as soon as possible. When she's not in class or studying, Lesly enjoys checking out the local restaurants and greeting her peer's pets on the quad.

  • Cal Callahan

    Lauren "Cal" Callahan | "We Teach Them and They Teach Us."

    Sep 15, 2022 4:00 pm79 views

    "We Teach Them and They Teach Us."

  • Kevin Ho | Exploring Family History With Fulbright

    Apr 25, 2019 12:45 pm266 views

    Kevin Ho, an english major and secondary education minor will be headed to Vietnam this fall as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.

  • Kerrigan Lane

    Kerrigan Lane | Having Fun is Crucial to Learning

    Sep 21, 2021 3:00 pm76 views

    Kerrigan is a freshman in the College's Early Childhood Education program. She's loved her own "classroom life" experience and the fun of learning in community. Kerrigan can't wait to creating a welcoming, inclusive, positive classroom environment for all her future students to grow.

  • Kennedy Record | Shaping Future World Changers

    Oct 15, 2020 3:00 pm522 views

    Sophomore Kennedy Record is living life as an Illinois student to the fullest. She loves cheering on the Fighting Illini, checking out the local coffee shops, and most of all, she loves her work with children with disabilities. Kennedy says, "I desire to be supportive of children who feel voiceless, to be someone who will fight for their needs."

  • Kenna Ashton

    Kenna Ashton | Inspired to Have a Positive Impact on Students

    Apr 5, 2022 3:00 pm46 views

    "I love how close the College of Education is and how much support is provided for students."

  • Kay Tetlak

    Kay Tetlak | Connecting Students to Their Community

    Oct 28, 2021 9:00 am49 views

    As a Chicago Public Schools alum, Kay Tetlak wants to give back to the school district that provided so many resources to her.

  • Katie Barr | IEA Student of the Year

    Apr 18, 2019 10:30 am96 views

    The Illinois Education Association has named the University of Illinois’ Katie Barr as Student of the Year. Barr is currently a junior in the College of Education, majoring in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Literacy, ESL, and Spanish, while also pursuing a minor in Spanish.

  • Kate (left) and Meghan (right) McCurdy in Verona, Italy

    Kate & Meghan McCurdy | Born to Teach

    Apr 10, 2023 3:15 pm1 views

    Kate and Meghan McCurdy are both Middle Grades Education majors with concentrations in mathematics from Orland Park, IL.

  • Kapri's graduation portrait

    Kapri Dowdell | Advocate and Inspire

    Apr 15, 2021 3:00 pm157 views

    As her senior year comes to a close, Special Education major Kapri Dowdell has her eyes set on her future as an educator. After graduation, Kapri is heading home to Chicago as an elementary school teacher in Chicago Public Schools, with plans to return to school for a Master's in Administration in a few years. When asked about her dream job, Kapri stated, "I want to be a principal or have a higher power in our education system to advocate for our students with special needs for academic, emotional, and mental support."

  • Julie Ross

    Julie Ross | Passionate About the Next Generation of Learners

    Aug 30, 2021 3:00 pm259 views

    As the 2021-2022 school year kicks off, we introduce you to Julie Ross who is thrilled to be back on this bustling campus this fall! She's even more excited to one day lead her own classroom of crazy busy middle school students. Learn more about why Julie loves Education at Illinois!

  • Julia Rhodes | Learning in Italy

    Feb 13, 2020 4:45 pm166 views

    Elementary Education sophomore Julia Rhodes is spending her Spring semester studying in Verona, Italy; and she thinks everyone should study abroad, even if only for a week-long program.

  • Jill Kartsounes

    Jill Kartsounes | Being a Leader

    Sep 5, 2023 11:45 am67 views

    For Jill Kartsounes, being the leader came naturally. As a child, she always wanted to be the one in charge. The feeling of leading made her dream of her future classroom and career as a teacher. Now she's here at the College of Education, working to become an elementary teacher. 

  • Jerny Walls

    Jerny Walls | Interested in How Disparities Impact the Lives of Students and Teachers

    May 2, 2022 3:00 pm126 views

    "I love how supportive my classmates are, they really have helped me stay motivated during my college career."

  • Jasmine Wong | The News-Gazette Teacher of the Week

    Mar 14, 2019 9:45 am124 views

    Elementary Education alumna Jasmine Wong was named The News-Gazette's Teacher of the Week. Jasmine is a third-grade gifted-classroom teacher at Champaign's Booker T. Washington Elementary. 

  • Jasmine Castillo

    Jasmine Castillo | "Everyone has a voice, and as a teacher I will encourage each student to use theirs."

    Nov 3, 2022 4:00 pm233 views

    Jasmine Castillo, a History major with Secondary Education and Spanish minors, Illinois is our student spotlight this week.

  • Jaclyn Wittrock

    Jaclyn Wittrock | Helping All Young Minds Grow

    Apr 12, 2022 3:00 pm40 views

    "I love learning how young minds develop and better ways to teach every kind of learner!"

  • Jack Josellis | Future Fulbright

    Mar 11, 2020 12:15 pm286 views

    Jack Josellis, a history major and secondary education minor spent a semester in Spain as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.

  • Jacalyn Wingerter | Inspired by Educators

    Nov 12, 2020 3:00 pm58 views

    Everyone has a special educator that has inspired them in some way. Senior Jacalyn Wingerter draws inspiration from her English professor, Professor Pollock. She says, "He's the most enthusiastic English professor and really knows how to make any type of literature come to life!" Jacalyn hopes to bring the same enthusiasm to an English classroom of her own after graduating. This week, tell an educator in your life how they inspire you!

     

  • Ivy Moore

    Ivy Moore | Engaged In Her Community

    Feb 3, 2022 3:00 pm59 views

    "What I love about campus is that there is always something new to try."

  • Ian Copple

    Ian Copple | Loving the 'ah-ha!' Moments

    Dec 1, 2021 3:00 pm102 views

    When Ian Copple came to the University of Illinois, he knew he loved math. It took until his junior year to realize he also loved sharing his understanding with others. That's when he transferred into the Secondary Education minor program.

  • Haley Allen | Learning Along The Way

    Oct 1, 2020 10:00 am79 views

    Despite all of her research, trainig and studies, senior Haley Allen still felt uneasy about taking over a classroom of her own. That is, until her mentors in the College of Education taught her a very valuable lesson; you will always be learning along the way. Haley says, "Because of my instructors, I now feel prepared for the many unknowns that come with teaching young children."