Trinity Grads to Lead Their Own Classrooms This Fall

Trinity Adult Studies Education graduates are among the most qualified teachers in the field, and the College’s excellent reputation with school districts helps graduates secure teaching positions.

Recently, some of our graduates contacted us to let us know about their new teaching placements.

Amy Brown ’12, who earned her elementary license, will be teaching at Seventh Avenue School, where she student taught last fall. Brown was one of 600 candidates for a 4th grade teaching position. “I felt very prepared when I went into student teaching. When I was interviewing, I felt confident with my understanding of common core, since that is a focus of Trinity’s program.”

Jeff Heimer ’11 is nearing the end of his second year as a social studies high school teacher, high school baseball and football coach. “I was added to the football coaching staff at the beginning of what would become an undefeated (14-0) 2012 IHSA Class 6A football championship season. All thanks in large part to the guidance, instruction, and support of the entire Trinity Adult Studies Education department, which greatly helped make my dream of being a high school educator and coach a reality.”

Erin Lara ’12 earned her K-12 license in Spanish and Arabic and also earned her ESL endorsement. “I am excited to lead my own classroom. I knew I had the credentials I needed for the open position and was thrilled to be offered the job.” This fall, she will be teaching Spanish and ESL at Richards High School.

Jose “Jesse” Gonzalez ’13 will be the new 6th grade Spanish teacher at Northbrook Jr. High. “Working with the people in Adult Studies has been a godsend. Once I started the program, it made me feel like I was on a roll, and with their support, I was going to be done before I knew it. Since I started this program, everyone – from Financial Aid, registration, and faculty – has played an important role in the huge change I made in my life.”

Michelle Melendez ’13 will be the art teacher for Oak Lawn District 123 starting in August. She did her student teaching at Covington, one of the three elementary schools in the district, and is replacing her cooperating teacher, who retired. Previously, Melendez worked in the office at Kolmar, another one of the schools in the district. “I’m excited to stay in the district, where I have forged such wonderful relationships,” Melendez said.

Adult Studies faculty and staff are proud of these graduates and wish them success as they teach with excellence!