News Releases
May Employee of the Month:
Nancy Tirado, Core teacher, Carl Sandburg Junior High School
May 2, 2007
“Nancy embodies the professionalism, humanity, and wisdom of an exemplary educator,” her nominator said in describing Nancy Tirado, a teacher at Carl Sandburg Junior High School since 1981. “Nancy is a history teacher, confidante to children, and an advocate and mentor to teachers.”
Nancy says being a teacher was her ambition from a young age. “It was a decision I’m happy that I made,” she explains. “I’m just as invigorated now as I was in the beginning. I never leave work unhappy. I’m always content and leave with the feeling I’ve done something important. I even encourage kids to consider going into teaching.”
Her nominator says Nancy is someone to whom people—adults and children alike—are naturally drawn. “She is genuinely concerned about the well-being of others and interested in what they have to say … someone who is attentive and helps put things in perspective … someone who makes others feel good about themselves. She takes the time to give a compliment, thank you, and positive recognition.” These qualities have earned her a Golden Apple nomination and the Award of Excellence from the Illinois Math and Science Academy, based on a nomination from a former student.
A native of Chicago, Nancy earned a B.S. in history from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in reading from Northeastern Illinois University. She taught reading, writing, and social studies in the Chicago Public Schools for six years before coming to District 15. She has continued her education with extensive work in the areas of teaching the middle school child and best practices. “District 15 has given me the opportunity to do all these things,” she comments. “We have had cutting-edge training.”
During her years at Carl Sandburg, Nancy has taught reading, writing, and, for the last ten years, history. She has been involved in the language arts and history committees, and she has been very active in the Classroom Teachers Council, serving as a member of the negotiating team several years ago and as CTC secretary.
Although she will retire at the end of this school year, Nancy plans to remain active with young people as a substitute teacher or volunteer. She is looking forward to enjoying more time with her husband, Joe, and looking for a weekend home in Wisconsin. She also plans to spend more time on physical fitness (to “rejuvenate” herself, she says); reading, especially “something new and provocative that teaches me something about the world;” perhaps getting more engaged in social causes and civic affairs; and gardening.
“Nancy is one of those special teachers with whom kids stay after school for no other reason than to enjoy her company and dialogue about their lives,” her nominator said. “She is a true team player whose initiative is driven by what is best for kids.”
Nancy will be recognized at the May 9, 2007, Board of Education meeting, to be held at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School, at 7 p.m.
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