Ms. Alexander 66

In college, I was a professional dog walker and event planner. [After that], I worked at an ice cream shop for 13 years. When I graduated, I was a substitute teacher and did clay camps for the park district. Then, I became a 5th grade teacher, [and] I became an art teacher at an all girls’ high school before I came here.

 

Mr. Strentz 57

I always drew pictures of myself like as an artist. In high school, I got really into photography, and I got really into movies and using media and technology. So, I studied film and got a degree in filmmaking. I worked in filmmaking for 10 years before I decided to be a teacher.

 

Mr. Anderson 54

I worked as an electrician. I worked for a construction company. I worked for a demolition company. I’ve done hazardous waste removal. Two weeks after I graduated high school, my varsity volleyball coach asked me to come back to high school to start coaching for her as an assistant coach. I absolutely loved it.

 

Ms, Senjanin 63

Whenever I’d play, like with my sisters and my cousins, we always played “school”. I was always the teacher. It wasn’t until I was in college when I was pre-law and then became an english major to help be pre law that i then realized “you know what? I really should have always been a teacher”

 

Ms. Hargesheimer 57

For as long as I can remember… I honestly wanted to be … a teacher…I honestly considered being a vet. I loved animals, but then when I realized what being a vet entails and watching animals be sick and potentially die in front of you, I knew that I personally and emotionally could not handle that.

 

Ms. Singh 60

My parents always wanted me to be a doctor, [but] medical school wasn’t the right place for me. So, I had to make a big decision I kinda go with my heart and be like “ no i think the classrooms very special”.