Take Five with Brenda Watrach: English Language Arts Teacher at Prieto Elementary

Take Five is a series that highlights members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our students. All throughout the 2024–25 school year, we will be spotlighting our amazing CPS teachers! If you know a teacher who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

Meet Brenda Watrach, a fourth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin community! Ms. Watrach has been a CPS teacher since 2018, but her journey with the District started when she was a student herself at Andersen Elementary (which later merged into LaSalle II) and Noble Street College Prep High School.

Ms. Watrach always knew she wanted to be a teacher. As a kid, she always had her nose in a book, and she even remembers turning her kitchen into a school and making her parents do worksheets. She stayed true to her dream of teaching throughout her own education, even becoming a Golden Apple Scholar. The experience she received through the Golden Apple Scholars program reinforced her knowledge that teaching would be an excellent fit, and she’s never looked back. 

“Ms. Watrach’s classroom is a place where scholars not only feel safe and encouraged but also develop a genuine love for learning,” said Prieto Principal Ken Cuellar. “She goes the extra mile for her scholars every day, and her commitment to her scholars, passion for teaching, and ability to create a positive and welcoming learning environment truly set her apart as an extraordinary teacher.”

Read more about Ms. Watrach below!

You are known for creating a positive and welcoming classroom environment—can you tell us how you accomplish this?

It’s important to see students as humans and not numbers. This career can be very data-driven, and that can be helpful, but I try to look beyond that and see them as full people who are figuring themselves out and going through a huge developmental stage. It’s important to carve out time to get to know my students on a personal level, so I never miss our morning meeting. Every day, I check in with them to see how they’re doing and listen to any stories they want to share. Building that rapport and trust with students is so important, and it sets the stage for real learning.

You’re also known for having engaging lessons. How would you describe your teaching style?

Until this year, I taught second grade, so the content has all been very new for me. So as I’m approaching this new curriculum, I’m thinking about how to bring the lessons to life for my students. I’m asking students to imagine themselves in the stories that we’re reading. Bringing that perspective for them helps them make connections to their own lives. I also try to be as theatrical and engaging as possible! 

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Not every day is going to be your best day, but give yourself some grace and keep showing up. Every day is a fresh start, and the most important thing is that your students are safe, happy, and validated. 

And on a practical note, never leave a Friday without having your Monday and Tuesday planned. As a teacher, I think it's so important to be proactive and also make time for yourself when you’re not in the classroom. So take those extra 10 minutes before you leave to get ready and clean up your space so you can go, fully enjoy your weekend, and come back refreshed and refueled!

What are your biggest goals for your students?

First, I want them to know that their voice matters, and it's okay to share what they want to say, even if they feel like it might not be what the adult wants to hear. And second, I really want them to walk away from my class with stronger strategies for reading comprehension that they can apply to any text.

What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?

I love learning, so I have a lot of fun watching documentaries about whatever subject we’re about to cover in class. I also love reading fiction, doing yoga, and going on long walks with my husband and our two rescue dogs, Ziggy and Taz.