Meet Residents from the
Chicago Teacher Residency Class of 2022
Kiara Clark
Placed in: Deneen School of Excellence – Diverse Learners
Previous Career: Female Mentor Coordinator
I’ve always had a passion for kids and one day as I was reflecting on my career choices I realized that they all had a similar pattern – working with kids. I then begn to hear family and friends talk about how I had a super power where kids would gravitate towards me with little effort. I think realized that if I could build trust and healthy relationships with kids, then the next step would be to educate them.
The best parts of my experience in the CTR were connections and new feelings of family I built with my cohort.
Give it your all and never give up, “in order to see the rainbow you have to endure the storm.”
Giselle Castaneda
Placed in: Marquette School of Excellence – 5th grade Bilingual ELA
Previous Career: Graduated from DePaul University in May 2021 with a Bachelors in Education Studies.
I have always had a genuine curiosity of the classroom and what it would be like to be a teacher. I clearly remember ‘playing school’ with my cousins and always begging my mom to buy me white boards and dry erase markers.
A great memory I have from the residency was attendeing the AUSL benefit dinner in November. It was a cool experience because I was able to see how many people contribute to make the CTR happen. I was able to meet former residents, students at AUSL schools, principals and other people who worked at AUSL who I had never known about. It was a super fancy, cool dinner!
My advice to incoming residence is to not compare yourself to anybody else. Instead, push yourself to learn from other educators. Remember that your path to teaching is unique and, even during harder days, know that everything will come together slowly but surely.
When I was nearing completion of the residency, all of my family members joked around and called me, “la teacher” because I really made my dream from a young age come true and had seen my curiosity since the beginning.
Eddie Davis
Placed in: Jessie Owens – Diverse Learners
Previous Career: IDHS caseworker
I joined the CTR program because I wanted to give back and get more involved with my community. I thought students needed more positive male role models in their lives.
My best experience in the CTR was meeting some great people, sharing the tough year, and learning from some great instructors.
Incoming Residents should prepare for a grueling year. But if you stay on target with your school work and teaching responsibilities, you will not get overwhelmed.
Venus Fitzpatrick
Placed in: McNair School of Excellence – ELA
Previous Career: Project Manager.
I decided to join the CTR to become a teacher because it is my calling.
My best experience in the residency was collaborating with my mentor teacher. I learned so much from her, and having the experience of watching her teach is something I will take with me as I embark upon my teaching journey.
During the residency year, my students brought so much love and laughter to my life. In addition, I’m sure the relationships I build with the residency cohort will extend after graduation.
For new residents: build a relationship with your mentor and take advantage of all the resources that are offered at the university.
