Community Consolidated School District 89 recently issued the following announcement.
Briar Glen Elementary preschool teacher Chris Gillis was selected as the Community Consolidated School District 89 Educator of the Year for the Glen Ellyn Community Awards organized by the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce. Gillis was chosen because of her commitment to making the community a better place to live, learn, and work.
Gillis grew up wanting to be a teacher. After earning a degree to teach special education, she found a job opening for preschool - and never left the role. Thirty-two years later, she’s still having fun every day teaching three-, four- and five-year-olds.
“I have to make it fun for them. When you have to come to school and you’re three years old, if I don’t make it fun to learn, how are they going to do with the next 14 years of school?” Gillis said. “I see it part of my mission to make sure they enjoy coming to school.”
CCSD 89 Superintendent Dr. Emily K. Tammaru highlighted Gillis’ talent for connecting with students and their families.
“She goes above and beyond to reach out to our families to ensure their first experience in school and in our district is welcoming one,” said CCSD 89 Superintendent Dr. Emily K. Tammaru. “She’s absolutely phenomenal and the kids love her.”
Gillis joined CCSD 89 in 2006, after teaching in Oak Park. She previously taught at Arbor View Elementary and joined Briar Glen when the district’s preschool program moved to that building.
“Her work is always student-centered,” said Briar Glen Principal Mitch Dubinsky. “Every day she wants it to be the best day ever for those kids. Because of her work and her joy, they come to her class as little ones and leave ready to learn.”
“The changes that I see in kids – that’s what brings me back every day,” Gillis said. “If they’re having fun, I’m having fun.”
This year has come with challenges as Gillis’ students are learning both in-person and online. Her preschool team has found different ways to connect with students, including sending home bags of hands-on learning materials.
“This is the craziest time we have had as educators in our life,” Gillis said. “I know there are so many teachers working so hard this year so I am totally honored.”
To see a video of Gillis finding out she had been selected as Educator of the Year, go to: https://youtu.be/PQjnRiUHhLA
Rather than an in-person banquet, this year’s Glen Ellyn Community Awards ceremony will be virtual, with “watch parties” occurring throughout Glen Ellyn and available to view at home. A video will be released in March. Check in at www.glenellynchamber.com for more information on dates.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up