Hannah Romanchuk wasn’t looking to follow her mother into the teaching profession, even after she graduated from University of Illinois with a degree in education.
After a few career turns, though, Romanchuk found her way into teaching, and she and the Yankee Ridge Elementary School community are thankful she did. Romanchuk, who will begin her sixth year at the school this fall, goes above and beyond her position as an ESL/French co-teacher. She’s in charge of the school’s garden, and she runs a student garden club, which has involved securing grant funding for two hydroponic garden towers that she uses to teach her students.
I find my work important because … Time spent investing in children is NEVER wasted! When I graduated from the University of Illinois, teaching reading and plant science at an elementary school was definitely not a part of my long-term plan. To be honest, the job I currently hold was a surprise “last resort” position that I took during the pandemic after a few career disappointments.
Looking back I am SO glad to have this job! I get to work with the the BEST team of colleagues (Go Wolves) and accompanying my students on their journey to read, write and perform basic math. I know even if they don’t remember us, those skills will build foundations for their future educational and vocational endeavors.
I became a teacher because … Like I said earlier, teaching was actually not in the original plan. I did not enjoy my student-teaching experience and held several positions in different fields before beginning my post in Urbana. I have STAYED a teacher because I love, love, love teaching students to read and do basic math.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … During our after-school Plant Science classes I LOVE teaching about the life cycle of a seed and photosynthesis. Every year I learn something new about plants while preparing the lesson. Additionally, I really enjoy teaching the information to young learners because seeing their joy and wonder while they encounter the concepts for the first time reminds me how miraculous plants really are.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … they read the first word. Any kindergarten or first-grade teacher understands the amount of blood, sweat and tears that goes into teaching the alphabet, working on phonemic awareness and the sometimes long and frustrating practice of “sounding words out.” It’s hard to convey how satisfying it is when a child sounds out “c-a-t” a couple times and then puts those sounds together, and you can see their face light up when they comprehend.
I keep students engaged by … movement and song. In education we call it “TPR-” Total Physical Response. If you can teach a concept using song and dance, the students will engage with the learning, and it will stick in their brains!
Something else I’m passionate about is … I really enjoy distance running. I find the practice very stress-relieving and I really enjoy going to races and feeling the positive vibes.
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was … This is TOO HARD. Way too hard. I would say my most memorable educational experience was in symphonic band with Mr. Gross at Warren Township High School.
He gave us professional-level music and equipped us with the skills to play the pieces in order to convey the emotional message the composer wanted to convey. I don’t practice my saxophone very much any more, but the lessons of discipline, listening to others, and the friendships that I made in that ensemble endure to this day, and I believe will follow me throughout my life.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … a professional musician.
I’m spending my summer … Gardening and traveling with my husband Daniel.
— ANTHONY ZILIS