Support Naperville Teachers

Our district website reads:

"Naperville Community Unit School District 203 believes an exemplary school district..."

The keyword there is "Exemplary" which means: "serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind".

This descriptor of our district is true when everyone feels valued, supported, and appreciated. It takes a great many people to keep this exemplary school district going for our town. This is why our NESPA colleagues need the support of the community that depends on them.

Morning Unity Walk

NUEA members will meet for a 5-minute briefing in your school parking lot, then enter the school together as a unified association in appreciation for our team. Your NUEA Building Rep will let you know where to meet at your building.

When: Monday, August 23

* Elementary Teachers: Meet at 7:30 am
* Junior High Teachers: Meet at 7:20 am
* High School Teachers: Meet at 7:15 am

Please wear red once again, except for Naperville Central, who will be wearing black.

Support the NUEA Bargaining Team tonight at 6:00 pm. This rally will last about 45 minutes.

Where: Meet in the parking lot at NNHS by the tennis courts.

Please wear red!

The NUEA will have cold treats for you while we hear from several NUEA members and from President Dan Iverson about supporting our team.

Please wear your NUEA shirt or navy blue to demonstrate your unity for a fair deal.

In a few hours, our classrooms will fill up again with the treasures of this fine community. We will stand in front of them with a smile knowing full well all the wonderful ideas and engagements we plan to share with them this year. It is an energy like no other. It is an honor.

Teachers: we wish you continued success today and every day this school year. You are at the top of your craft and true leaders in this field. The NUEA is always on your side.

Parents and Guardians: thank you for the trust. Your partnership is greatly appreciated and we promise to everlastingly support your child's learning and betterment.

Now, let's do this.

Why I Teach in 203
Reason #11

“As a business educator, I love the opportunity to expose students to the world of business. They are able to evaluate if their future lies in a field of business. I'm afforded the opportunity to bring authentic learning into the classroom and directly impact their future careers.
This past spring, a sophomore student, Athena Chen, reached out to me about hosting a business fair for young children. As we worked together, I decided she should become a client for my advanced marketing students. The student marketers were able to provide strategic marketing plans for marketing and hosting the event. In early August, we had over 55 children participate in the Naperville Children's Business Fair. It was very exciting to see these young kids running their own business and talking about how to expand their companies to increase their revenue. It's the excitement I witness in my students that is very rewarding”.

Why I Teach 203
Reason #10

"As 203 alumni, it is a joy to be teaching in the district that raised me to be a lifelong learner. It is so fun to see former teachers, who are now colleagues, and tell them how much they inspired me. I teach in 203 because I had the best teachers and want to continue to carry on that tradition for my students. There is no better profession than this"!

Why I Teach in 203
Reason #9

"In the 20 years I’ve taught in District 203, my reasons for loving it have changed each year. One of the things that remains constant about why I love this district is the commitment to our Mission Statement. While initiatives come and go, the Mission has remained the same. Even though I’ve watched students master all five pillars of our Mission Statement, I’m most proud of students being community contributors - whether that community is our classroom, school, Naperville, or the world. Rather than complaining about issues in their community, our students look for solutions. I love teaching in District 203 because the students of this district aren’t the problems of society, they are the solutions".

Why I Teach in 203
Reason #8

"I am a 203 parent who has recently joined the district as a teacher. Our two children had received such consistently strong support from 203 teachers and schools that when I decided to go back to full-time high school teaching, I knew I wanted to do it in 203. Now I teach science at Naperville Central. The talent and dedication of my new colleagues have continually impressed me, and I have become a better teacher because of them. As a parent with an "inside view" of the district, I can say that my professional experiences with 203 teachers and administrators have convinced me beyond a doubt that we made the best choice for our children when we moved into the district in 2010. I am thrilled that I am now able to contribute to the education provided to our community's children, even as my own family continues to be grateful recipients of it".

Why I Teach in 203
Reason #7

“I am a District 203 early childhood teacher. Every day I nurture and support. I paint, sing, climb, jump, run and draw. I rhyme, count, laugh, write, color, and dance. I read and share. I model and collaborate. I listen and talk. I ask questions and answer questions (so many amazing, thought provoking, wonder inducing questions) I wipe away tears and help allay fears. I revel in the wonder and cause people to wonder. What if? What could we do with this? Why do you think that?
I make countless decisions each day and no two days are ever alike. I plan, create, adjust, and pivot repeatedly because no one is better at throwing a wrench in well laid plans than a four year old!

I have the good fortune to spend my days looking at the world through the eyes of a child. Therefore, I see hope, inclusivity, faith, wonder, and joy each and every day and that’s why I teach!

This is the sun rising outside my classroom window. I stopped here to pause and take a breath before preparing for another day of teaching”.

Why I Teach in 203
Reason #6

“When my husband and I were researching school districts prior to relocating with our preschool-aged sons to the Chicago area 21 years ago, it was clear that District 203 would best support our sons’ needs. After seeing the excellent education that my children were receiving, starting with the preschool program, I knew that when I resumed my teaching career, District 203 would be my first choice of places to teach. I was thrilled when I was hired as an educator in this world class district. I love sharing my passion for world languages and cultures with my students. Together my students and I embark on amazing journeys, discovering the world and ourselves. It is truly a privilege to accompany these amazing young people, through their ups and downs, as they prepare for the world beyond high school”.

Why I Teach in 203
Reason #4

"Teaching in District 203 is important to me because I love connecting with students and parents! I've been teaching here for 34 years and this year is definitely one I am looking forward to for a very special reason! This year I get to teach for the first time ever...a child of one of my former students from more than 25 years ago! I once was the lucky teacher of a little girl who so loved her district that she came back to teach in 203. Not only does she teach in 203, but she teaches in the same building that she once attended. And now that she has children, her firstborn will be in my class this year! It is a thrill for me to share my love for learning, generation after generation and I am so proud to get to do that here in District 203 where family connections have meant so much to me"!

Please join us Monday evening.

NUEA RALLIES TO ENCOURAGE BOARD TO REACH NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT

WHAT: Naperville Unit Education Association (NUEA) members are rallying to show their united support as an organization and encourage the school board to reach a negotiated agreement on a contract.

WHY: The NUEA started negotiations with the Naperville Community Unit School District 203 in January 2021. Since June 2021, the NUEA and District have been working with a mediator to resolve disagreements about compensation and family and parental leave. There is still no negotiated agreement between the NUEA and District 203.

WHEN: Monday, 8.16.2021 at 5:45 pm at Naperville North High School.

WHERE: NUEA members will first meet at the Naperville North High School Mill Street Parking Lot (the entrance is by the tennis courts) at 6:00 pm for a rally. The march to Washington Junior High School begins at 6:15 pm. We plan to arrive at Washington Junior High School around 6:30 pm. The board meeting is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm.

Please wear red!
Families, neighbors, and other supporters are welcome.

Why I Teach in 203
Reason #3

“There are a few reasons why I teach in district 203. First and foremost, it’s because the teachers, support staff, and students are given so many opportunities to succeed and thrive in this community.

Second, I love my craft. I teach with passion and personality. When students are being creative, learning new technical skills, and having fun while they’re learning, then I know I am doing my job well.

Thirdly, I am a product of District 203. I went to Naperville Central High school where I was inspired by numerous teachers to do my best and find things I loved to do. I always felt like they genuinely cared about me. In fact, I just ran into one of my former teachers at Casey’s Foods last week. She remembered me 20 plus years later and we had a lovely conversation about the things that continue to inspire us today.

I teach in this district because I was inspired! I was and continue to be inspired"!

Why I Teach in 203:

"When I was a 7th-grade student at Washington Junior High, I knew who I wanted to be when I grew up. I say "who" because I had long known what—a teacher.

But that year I decided who I wanted to be most like—my 7th grade PI teacher. She challenged each student based on their individual strengths and made learning come alive. Each day felt like a chance to grow, exploring new worlds through literature and writing. That school and our classroom community were everything to me.

Decades later, I had the opportunity to come back to this district, this time as a teacher myself. I jumped at the chance. I savor each day as an opportunity to have my students fall in love with learning as I did and strive to make my classroom feel every bit as inspiring and welcoming as the one I thrived in so long ago".

We teach in this district because it is a calling.

Why I Teach in 203

“All I ever wanted to be was a high school English teacher. So much so that when I was a young child, I asked my mom for an overhead projector for my birthday. Teaching in District 203 is one of the greatest honors of my life. Being among your children day in and day out, year after year, is a gift. Oh, we love working with your children: putting a brand new novel on their desk; seeing how their writing improves after a lesson; watching them from the stands at a game. It is sacred—all of it.

All we want is to feel like our life’s work is valued and that our own families get the same love we give your own children”.

"Our oldest child is gifted and autistic and his teachers have taught him with compassion and humor since he started at Anne Reid. He needed a lot of support when he first started school and through the help of the teachers, we have gradually been able to scaffold the support and still meet his needs and appropriately challenge him. He is now going into sixth grade and through schooling during lockdowns, and online learning, he has been given opportunities to thrive and engage with his peers that we never would have imagined. We are so grateful for all of the support that we have gotten from Naperville 203 teachers. They have been exceptional and have helped all of our children succeed and enjoy learning.

NUEA teachers serve children by using their training and talent to strike the perfect balance of support.

“We have 3 kids at the elementary level in district 203 and have had many wonderful experiences with multiple teachers. We wanted to take the time to support our district teachers and share our story and personal experience.

Our 8 year old son was diagnosed with Dyslexia right before the world shut down in 2020. The team of teachers that have worked with our son over the last two years have gone above and beyond in so many ways. From answering our endless questions and being with us every step of the way as challenges arose and schedules continuously changed. As E-learning started our son struggled and his confidence was at an all time low. His team of teachers jumped on board to help us in anyway possible to make sure our son felt comfortable in this “new” way of learning and gave him the confidence to jump over the many hurdles he faced during the last year. From researching and finding extensions on his chrome book to read assignments to him, to dropping off incentives and awards to our home to even singing his reading lesson in opera simply because he requested that it would be a fun way to learn. Even with all of the challenges this last year brought, our son grew academically and truly learned how to persevere all thanks to the wonderful teachers. Words cannot express how forever grateful we will be for their endless efforts!”

NUEA teachers serve children by differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners and empowering them to feel confident in their growth.

“Our son started his kindergarten experience remotely at Mill Street. Despite starting his schooling in less than desirable circumstances (during a pandemic), he still had a great time. His teachers worked so hard to make the curriculum come alive and provide him with an experience that made him feel valued and supported. I’ll never forget the first time he went into the building and came home glowing about how much he loves his teacher and room.”

NUEA teachers serve children by rising to the occasion to deliver the best possible instruction no matter the circumstance.

“My husband and I both graduated from Central (my husband also went to Kingsley and Lincoln). Both of our families moved to Naperville primarily for the schools. When it was time for us to decide where to live, and ultimately the schools our daughter would attend, we felt confident in the education that 203 would provide. It was the amazing teachers we had that gave us a solid foundation, not only for continuing our postsecondary education, but also by helping us discover our own interests and talents. Our daughter is starting Kindergarten at Elmwood this month and we are so excited for her to experience all that our great district has to offer.

One of my favorite teacher stories to tell is from when I was a freshman and knew how much effort I needed to put in for a decent grade so my parents wouldn't be upset. I got a progress report from my English teacher, Mrs. Carpenter, and went to talk to her after class. I said, "I think there was a mistake. I got a progress report but I'm getting a B. She replied flatly, "It's not a mistake, you're an A student." It was the push I needed. I brought it up to an A and she recommended me for the AP class the following school year.”

NUEA teachers serve children by motivating them to have the confidence to excel.

"Mrs. Rayborn at Elmwood Elementary is one of those teachers you never forget. Our son never stepped foot into her classroom last year, but her presence on screen made him ready for work and put a smile on his face like no other. Mrs. Rayborn is attentive and caring and has sayings and phrases that are still used on a daily basis. We would not have made it through last year with such a happy and successful kid without her.

We also want to praise Mrs. Dahn and Mrs. Daniels. They are both remarkable women! We are thankful for all of their hard work and for always taking the time to be kind. Our son felt so connected to each of them and excited for the days he was able to work with these amazing educators."

NUEA teachers serve children by using their dynamic and engaging presence to foster a positive connection with their students.

"This is Olive. Her 6 years at Elmwood taught her goal setting and perseverance in a meaningful and realistic way. The teachers she had: Lynn Henz, Anne Blank, Krissy Ludlum, Molly Elsen, and Jen Maita helped her grow in understanding, knowledge, and confidence. They inspired her to set her own academic goals that are now taking her into PI in middle school. They believed in her. She learned from them to believe in herself. I learned the immensity of the gift teachers give".

NUEA serves children by empowering them to reach their optimal potential.

"Our son was incredibly blessed to have an amazing kindergarten teacher at Steeple Run for the 2020-21 school year. This outstanding educator consistently went above and beyond to ensure her students were given the most opportunity for success in any learning environment. My son has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to her encouragement and we'll planned lessons. Her enthusiasm for her craft and dedication to her students showed a passion that lives within the educators throughout this district. This teacher exemplified excellence every day!"

NUEA teachers serve children by using their creativity and enthusiasm to create dynamic learning environments that inspire a child's passion.

Thanks for all the support for this page. Please share it with friends and family who support our NUEA teachers and ask them to "like" and follow us on social media.

If you've enjoyed reading the testimonials from families about the impact NUEA teachers have had on our students, please consider submitting your own or asking 203 families to share their stories. It's quick and will help highlight all that our talented teachers do for our amazing students. Here's how to participate:

NUEA Serves Campaign

We hope to build community support and one avenue we’ve chosen is a page called Support Naperville Teachers. For this page, we are collecting personalized testimonials from District 203 families that ask them to provide a short testimonial (50-100 words) that highlights an example of a teacher going out of their way to support or teach their child. These testimonials do not need to name a teacher directly--they should just provide a short narrative that highlights an educator's effort with your child.

Furthermore, we would like for you to share an image that will accentuate your testimonial; the image can be of your child. If you do not want to include an image of your child, a stock image will be selected. To get a sense of what these posts look like please visit our Support Naperville Teachers page on Facebook. We are likely going to use this content on other social media platforms in addition to the Facebook group.

If you would like to participate in this campaign, please write a testimonial, attach an image (if comfortable), and send the content via an email message to [email protected]. Please use only personal email accounts (not .org accounts). The included picture below illustrates what each post will look like:

“Having a graduate of the D203 system allows me a view of my son's whole educational experience. Braden started with D203 at 3 years old for pre-school and is a recent 2021 graduate of NCHS. Braden has always been a challenge in a classroom because as his parents, we empowered him to be that challenge. We know this didn’t always make the teacher’s work easy. Maybe he even challenged the way they thought or taught. For 15 school years we had to find this balance of your education and our parenting. No matter what occurred throughout those years, Braden always believed in you. In his own words:



“The district is well-funded and all that jazz. But here’s the thing: without its teachers, it would be nothing. They really do hire the best of the best...There is so much to learn from these people beyond what the curriculum mandates they tell you. The classes I’ve loved have almost always been because the teachers were great.”

NUEA teachers know how to nurture a child's individuality so they grow into confident, critical thinkers.

“This is Scott (8th Grade) and Lauren (4th Grade). Scott is twice-exceptional: he lives on weekly plasma treatment for a rare immune disorder and he’s also a gifted student on an IEP.

Lauren is a PI student and competitive swimmer who lives watching her brother manage medical trauma and anti-mask/anti-health bullying. Both kids find joy, growth, and safety in the talent of their D203 teachers. Some of their teachers’ work has been life-saving, not just academically, but emotionally as well. We send our love and support to the staff at Kennedy Junior High and Highlands Elementary. We are here for you and recognize the teachers who have stood up for us, even when it was not popular.”

NUEA teachers serve children by fostering a safe environment where all students can learn and grow.

“Our daughter has excelled under D203’s excellent educators in all areas of her life. Her music teacher encouraged her to audition for a choir, her PE teacher inspired her to do Taekwondo, and her art teacher piqued her interest in drawing lessons. Her primary teachers have been supportive, encouraging, and challenged our young learner every step of the way. With a D203 education myself, I can absolutely say teachers have well prepared me for a lifetime of learning. We can’t wait to see what our incoming kindergartener discovers through the district’s incredible educators. Their contribution to our students’ lives is priceless.”

NUEA teachers serve every child's educational journey.

“When our son who has special needs was at Ann Reid, his teachers worked tirelessly to instill a sense of belonging for him. There he learned to trust his teachers and enjoy being at school. Most importantly, the teachers who worked with our family made it seem like our son was special and valued.”

NUEA teachers serve children by providing them with a sense of belonging.

“A number of teachers supported my children in personalized and meaningful ways. My daughter, Maya, was supported by two amazing teachers at JJHS who saw her unique strengths and connected her with a tribe of girls that are kind introverts, just like her. She is still friends with these kids. I know that her life would never be the same without these teachers.

My son, Ryan, was supported by his PLTW teacher who gave him a space to go during lunch and supervised study, and a passion to pursue. This teacher nurtured Ryan, and gave him a sense of place and belonging that is crucial to the middle high years. The teacher helped Ryan and a few other boys during the pandemic by leading them through a project to make face shields for those in need. This experience was a defining moment, and one we are forever grateful for. We have also had teachers recognize and honor his struggles and achievements as a gifted, social student”.

NUEA teachers serve children by nurturing their passions and unique strengths.