The 2021-2022 school year is my 9th year teaching, all at North-Grand High School. I have taught a variety of Social Science classes, with Civics and Latin American History being my areas of expertise. As a first generation Latina, it is important to me that my students understand not only how our world came to be, but also the power they hold to be changemakers.

Ditra Backup is an Individuals and Societies teacher at Lincoln Park High School. She believes that integrating social and emotional skills and building a classroom community that is responsive to student needs are crucial to facilitate students’ critical engagement with the world around them. She is excited to learn from this learning community to further center student agency and empower young people to make a difference.

My name is Rebecca Coulter and I use pronouns she, her, hers. I teach Civics and U.S. History at Roosevelt high school. I have been a teacher for 20 years and have taught abroad in Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. I am extremely passionate about and focused on developing my teaching in regards to SEL, restorative practices, and anti-racist teaching.

I'm on a constant journey of self-improvement for my mind, body, and spirit! I want everyone to have this feeling and find joy and peace in community.

Jenna Fisher joined Skinner West School in 2009 and has taught all grades from Kindergarten to Third. She is currently the school’s SEL teacher. Jenna believes every human being has a unique purpose and is capable of doing extraordinary things in the world. She facilitates creative learning opportunities in which students think, connect, lead and share.

For seven years, Larue Fitch worked with students in grades 4 through 8, teaching science, literacy and math. Leadership opportunities began to open up within his school and he became the Science Lead Teacher. Seven years later, he entered the role of Assistant Principal and Resident Principal in Chicago Public Schools. Currently, Mr. Fitch is serving as an educator for Chicago Public Schools.

Stephanie Gates is a 30-year veteran educator with Chicago Public Schools. Though she has spent most of her career in middle school, she has also been a K-8 writing teacher and librarian, and mentor teacher to first and second year teachers. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, writing, getting lost in a good book or trying new things.

Samantha Godden-Chmielowicz has taught in Chicago Public Schools for 26 years, and is the parent of 1 CPS graduate and 1 current CPS student. She currently teaches French & Civics at Schurz High School. She believes it is important to be a life-long learner, and to support her students is their educational and life journeys.

David Jablonsky is a Social Studies and ESL teacher at Multicultural Arts High School. He serves as the school's Social Studies Department Chair, Student Voice Committee Facilitator, and Lead Peer Conference Coordinator. He is looking foward to building on his work around culturally responsive teaching and uplifting student voices by growing democratic classrooms that are inclusive, collaborative, and reflective.

I am a product of Chicago Public Schools. I have 25 years of teaching experience having taught every grade level beginning with preschool. Currently teaching at Williams Prep at DuSable.

My name is Lauren Kirshenbaum (she/her/hers) and this is my second year teaching in CPS! I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in both Elementary Education and Special Education in 2020, and am beyond grateful to start my teaching career at Walt Disney Magnet School. As a 3rd Grade Inclusion teacher, I am passionate about creating and fostering a brave space for my little leaders!

I have been working for Chicago Public Schools for 25 years! My experience includes classroom teacher, literacy coach and area reading coach. Currently I teach 3rd Grade at Joseph Kellman Elementary School in Network 5.

Mitchel Meighen is an award-winning educator and presenter and has been recognized for his passion for student engagement and non-traditional teaching philosophies. Mitchel has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator, a program designed by Apple to recognize K-12 and higher-education pioneers who are looking to change the world and use Apple technologies to transform teaching and learning.

My name is Dr. Maria Ovalle. I have been an educator in CPS for twenty-five years. Though I have held a variety of positions, both in the school setting and as an administrator, I choose to teach. Currently, I am a teacher of Diverse Learners at the high school level. I feel it is my job to empower my students to advocate for themselves, to build on their strengths, and to have their voices heard.

I am a career changer who started teaching in 2002. I am renewing my national board certification this year in EA Math. I'm entering my 8th year as the 7/8 math & algebra teacher at Little Village Academy. I'm looking forward to a year of building a democratic classroom.

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Hello all! This is Ms. Rodriguez from Orr Academy H.S. A first generation Latina, born and raised in Chicago. I'm a proud CPS, DePaul, and Northwestern alumna. I love teaching history and enabling students to use their voice. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power.

Luis is a Bilingual Teacher at Durkin Park School.

Betty Scalia is a Language and Literature teacher at Mayer School. She is constantly working on getting better at giving students voice and choice. She works to empower students to take action in their lives, learning, and communities.

Haley is a passionate educator of students from middle school to high school at The Ogden International School of Chicago. She enjoys spending time with her family and being outside. She also enjoys reading and learning about other cultures and histories.