Showcasing What Our Educators Were Up To This Summer

CPS has the best teachers. Even when school is out, they find lots of ways to stay busy. From professional development opportunities to traveling to pursuing their hobbies, their summer experiences highlighted how each of them is a lifelong learner. Check out what they accomplished below! 

Savoring New Experiences through Travel 

Ms. Papa from New Field Elementary School traveled to Guatemala as a Fund for Teachers Fellow! She studied Spanish, volunteered with students with disabilities, and participated in a variety of cultural tours and workshops. 

Dr. Anderson-Johnson from Carroll-Rosenwald Elementary School traveled to Egypt! She believes that this trip provided her with rejuvenation as well as an opportunity for historical research. 

Ms. Stephens from Sor Juana Elementary School had an incredible time in Europe and Africa. She immersed herself in music in Germany and Italy, and also participated in an 11-day safari in Tanzania! 

Ms. Longmire-Crawford from Mollison Elementary School was able to visit both Istanbul and Bali. Both locations offered a tapestry of experiences that combined adventure, culture, and introspection, as well as memories and lessons that will last a lifetime! 

Taking Advantage of Professional Development Opportunities 

Ms. Ponder-Ballard from Carter School of Excellence participated in the Shakespeare and Digital Storytelling Summer Institute at Agnes Scott College! As part of this opportunity, she created a digital story project that helped her grow her skill set as an educator. 

Ms. Warden from Wadsworth Elementary School participated in a variety of professional development opportunities this summer. One highlight was the Building Expertise Conference, which will help her empower her colleagues to provide students with rigorous learning experiences. 

Ms. Valdez from Jamieson Elementary School participated in the White House History Teacher Institute in Washington, D.C. She experienced discussions with historians, local site visits, inquiry-based learning activities, and the opportunity to network with fellow educators from across the country. 

Mr. Flygt from Lane Tech College Prep attended a high school band and dance camp at Southern University in Baton Rouge. He watched rehearsals and attended director workshops. He also reconnected with a former student who is now attending college in New Orleans! 

Mr. Pupovac from Disney II Magnet School was a part of the James Madison Fellowship Program at Georgetown University. His focus this summer was studying the origins of the U.S. Constitution! 

Ms. Krantz from Kershaw Elementary School was accepted into the National Portrait Gallery’s "Learning to Look" Teacher Institute. This allowed her to learn how to use portraiture to delve deeply into history, science, and social justice movements. 

Pursuing New Skills and Hobbies—and Having Lots of Fun! 

Ms. Lagattolla from Ray Graham Training Center worked on her memoir about her experiences teaching internationally and participated in a poetry teaching workshop. She visited the Chimczuk Museum in Windsor, Canada as part of her research efforts for the memoir. 

Ms. Villodas from Prosser High School spent her summer planning for a Hispanic Heritage Showcase that will take place at her school during Hispanic Heritage Month. When the school year begins, her students will assist her with additional preparation as part of a service learning project. 

Ms. Johnson from Colemon Elementary School had a summer to remember! From attending her daughter’s college freshman orientation, to trying pho for the first time, to traveling to Savannah and New Buffalo, her summer was filled with joy and great memories. 

Ms. Smith from Hamline Elementary School competed as part of a Scottish pipe band and had great results! Fun fact: not only does she play the tenor drum, but she also teaches and competes in Scottish Highland dancing! 

Mr. Daugirdas from Lincoln Park High School participated in a Lithuanian Song Festival this summer. He was able to showcase three of his original works: “Up Grew the Linden Tree”; “Leliumai, Oh, Who Was Walking There”; and “A Flourishing Future.”