IL 2024 Teacher Of The Year Cultivates Sense Of Belonging At D131

Press release from East Aurora School District 131:

AURORA, IL — East Aurora School District 131 invited the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year, Dr. Rachael Mahmood, to talk to teachers and staff from all the D131 schools during Institute Day on January 13, 2025. Dr. Mahmood presented her “Cultivating Belonging: Engaging School Community through Dialogue and Action” initiative called “World Café” at East Aurora High School to help bring educators together to foster a greater sense of belonging within their school community.

This innovative discussion model sparked meaningful dialogue and action plans that can lead to tangible improvements in school culture, student achievement, family satisfaction, and teacher retention.“Creating a positive school culture and climate is not just an aspirational goal — it is the foundation for academic achievement and a critical factor in supporting teacher retention,” said State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders. “I applaud Dr. Mahmood’s work in fostering a sense of belonging within our school communities. When educators, students, and families feel truly connected and valued, we set the stage for success so students can thrive and grow.”

“Every educator has a unique story about what drew them to teaching and why they choose to stay,” said Dr. Mahmood. “The World Café model draws out these
powerful stories, inviting educators to share their experiences and ideas, helping to identify meaningful actions that increase belonging and strengthen the profession. Belonging is deeply personal, and the key to understanding what it takes for educators to join and remain in the profession lies in listening to their stories and suggestions.”

EASD 131 educators were also recognized by Dr. Mahmood during these sessions for their dedication and academic achievements in helping students reach their full potential! Congratulations to the following EASD 131 educators:

Jumpstart Program
Araceli Perez
Maria G. Galindo
Maria E. Garcia
Lucy Stromsta
Essenze Moore
Wilma Vargas

Adventures Program
Christy McKenzie
Alex Navarro
Amanda Arshad
Lupe Rivera
Cheryl Broach
TJ Arnold
Katelin Cooper
Molly Bouchard
Ellie Murillo
Shawnna Strausberger

East Aurora High School Sophomore AP Seminar English Teachers and Co-Teachers
James Bouwmeester
Stephanie Evensen
Melanie Kleimola
Vincent Lopez
Andrew Herrmann
Edward O’Reilly
Cynthia Mascha

Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy 8th Grade Team
Bethany Morton
Cynthia Martinez
Laura Krueger

4th Grade Dual Language Teachers
Allen Elementary School
Jacqueline Elliot
Alma Mangio
Venus Zook
Lorena Betancourt
Cynthia Drummod-Winters
Tanya Ascencio Diaz

Bardwell Elementary School
Laurie Ross
Isabel Zamudio
Noelani Licon
Natalie Bugaj
Jose Roldan Rivas
Anna Perry

Beaupre Elementary School
Stephanie Hansen
Raul Tejada Larrayoz
Dana Baumgartner

Brady Elementary School
Griselda Salmeron

Dieterich Elementary School
Jill Kocsis
Venus Matos
Lorey Lierman
Nancy Rojas

Gates Elementary School
Susan Cunningham
Jasibe Carslake
Antonio Rodriguez Vazquez

Gonzalez Child Center
Cheryl Broach
Guadalupe Rivera

Hermes Elementary School
Vanessa Becker
Lidia Ramirez
Brooke Brenner
Deyaneth Castanon

Johnson Elementary School
Heather Runge
Isabel Jorjorian
Alicia Gorski
Ferminia Lopez

Krug Elementary School
Melissa Lower
Jessica Vega

Oak Park Elementary School
Anna Mann
Gabby DeLoera

O’Donnell Elementary School
Michelle Taylor
Juan Arjona Herrero

Rollins Elementary School
Miriam Alexander
Fransisco Zafra
Alethea Whitehorn (Curtis)
Berenice Torres

This press release was produced by East Aurora School District 131. The views expressed here are the author’s own.