Mrs. Whitaker: Nurturing Student Success Through Dedication
Q: How long have you lived in the neighborhood and what do you like best about it?
A: My family and I moved into Thornwood 11 years ago. My husband, Paul, and I have two kids. Our son, Logan, is a sophomore at St. Charles North High School and plays baseball. Our daughter, Parker, is a senior and has been playing violin for over nine years! We’ve really enjoyed living here and taking advantage of everything Thornwood has to offer—especially the pool and tennis courts. One of my favorite things is hearing “Mrs. Whitaker” while shopping at Target or walking around the neighborhood. It’s always so fun when someone recognizes me—these students grow up so fast, and they’re always happy when I remember them, too!
Q: What school and location/district do you work in?
A: I have been teaching in District 303 my entire career! I taught 4th grade, 5th grade, and Kindergarten at Fox Ridge Elementary, then 4th and 3rd grade at Corron Elementary. For the past six years I’ve been at Wredling Middle School teaching 6th-grade math—and I LOVE it!
A: I have been teaching in District 303 my entire career! I taught 4th grade, 5th grade, and Kindergarten at Fox Ridge Elementary, then 4th and 3rd grade at Corron Elementary. For the past six years I’ve been at Wredling Middle School teaching 6th-grade math—and I LOVE it!
Q: Where did you attend undergraduate and/or graduate school?
A: I graduated from Judson University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (endorsed in Middle School Math/Language Arts/Social Studies). I also earned a Master’s in Reading Instruction from Aurora University. I’ve been teaching in District 303 since 2004.
Q: Why did you choose a career in teaching and education? What inspired you?
A: I chose education because I’m passionate about teaching children. I have a genuine desire to help students succeed, persevere through challenges, and find the fun in their work.
Q: Which teachers, mentors and/or schools have had the most impact on you?
A: I’ve had many wonderful mentors:
A: I’ve had many wonderful mentors:
- Miss Lemon, my kind 4th-grade teacher in elementary school
- Mr. Morton, my funny 7th-grade science teacher in middle school
- Madame Lakin, my talented French teacher in high school (she even took our class to Paris!)
- Barb Gennardo, my cooperative teacher at Fox Ridge Elementary during my student teaching in 2003
Q: What factors have best prepared you for a career in education?
A: Three key factors: a passion for education, a commitment to student success, and strong interpersonal skills. Building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues is vital for a positive learning environment.
A: Three key factors: a passion for education, a commitment to student success, and strong interpersonal skills. Building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues is vital for a positive learning environment.
Q: What advice would you offer to new/younger teachers?
A: Build strong relationships with your students, prioritize classroom management, and seek support from mentors and colleagues. Embrace flexibility, adapt as you go, and remember that making mistakes is part of learning. Above all, remember why you chose teaching and find joy in the impact you make.
Q: If you were teaching on a deserted island, what three indispensable items would you bring?
A: LOTS of dry-erase markers, dry-erase boards, and dice for fun math games!
Thank you, Anni, for sharing your Educator story with us!