After graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in psychology, Shiloh High School graduate Susan Lemke spent 15 years working with families and children in the field of social services in Arizona, Texas and Illinois.
During that time, she gravitated toward teaching, and in 2010, she received her teaching license and began teaching fifth grade at Unity East Elementary School, where she’s been ever since.
“Mrs. Lemke goes above and beyond to support her students every day,” Principal Jim Carver said. “She fosters a classroom environment built on high expectations, motivating each learner to rise to the challenge and achieve their full potential. Her passion for teaching, strong leadership, and dedication to excellence make her an invaluable member of our school community.”
I find my work important because … I find my work important because I have the opportunity and responsibility not only to guide my students in their academic learning but also to support who they are becoming as people. Teaching gives me the chance to help kids build confidence, develop resilience, and discover their strengths. I know the lessons we work on today, both academic and personal, will carry with them far beyond the classroom, and that means a lot to me.
I became a teacher because … I didn’t always plan to be a teacher. I entered the profession in my mid-30s after realizing that what I loved most about working with children and families was teaching them the skills they needed to be successful, whatever success looked like for them. I saw how important education and supportive relationships were in people’s lives, and I felt that teaching would give me a more direct way to continue that work in a meaningful way. Being in the classroom allows me to combine my love of learning with my passion for encouraging students to reach their full potential.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … I love teaching fifth grade because students are becoming more independent and beginning to find their voice. Since my classroom is self-contained, I get to teach every subject, which allows me to merge lessons and experiences so students can make connections, think from different perspectives, and form their own conclusions. One of my favorite projects in fifth grade is our living wax museum at the end of the year. I love the wax museum because at the start of the year, students are so nervous. The wax museum is the first thing they ask about. But, by the end of the year, they are ready, and they accomplish something they never thought they could do. The smiles on their faces and the pride they feel after it’s over is something I hope stays with them forever as a reminder that they can do hard things.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … My most fulfilling moments are when students realize that learning often comes through struggle and that perseverance makes them stronger and more confident. In fifth grade, academics become more challenging, but equally important is helping students learn how to be good learners, developing the skills they will carry into junior high, high school and beyond. When students learn to trust themselves, rely on themselves, and believe in themselves, I believe there are very few limits to what they can achieve. I believe my role is not to tell them what to do but to guide them so they can discover that confidence on their own.
I keep students engaged by … I try to keep students engaged by making learning interactive, collaborative and connected to real life. I bring different subjects together and use a variety of activities and media so every student can find a way to connect. I also hold all of my students to high standards because I know they are capable of great things. When they realize that I truly believe in them, they start to believe in themselves, and that builds not only participation and engagement but also the confidence they need to grow.
Something else I’m passionate about is … Other than my family, teaching is my greatest passion. I spend a lot of time inside and outside of the classroom looking for ways to improve my practice and strengthen our school. I am always thinking about how we can do things better, and I often spend my personal time problem-solving and planning. It doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do.
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was … I am not sure I could name just one favorite teacher. I had many who made a difference in their own way. Some encouraged me to be myself, others pushed me to work harder, and some gave me the tough love I needed to grow. That is part of why I love working at Unity East. I believe it is never just one teacher who makes an impact but the entire school building working together with the shared goal of helping students thrive.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … If I were not a teacher, I would probably be a counselor, helping people recognize their potential and build their resilience. I believe our experiences, both good and bad, shape us, but it is our ability to endure and persevere that creates true strength and wisdom. With that resilience, we have a greater chance of creating the lives we want. Teaching gives me the opportunity to help my students recognize challenges, embrace struggles, and see obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn.
— ANTHONY ZILIS