After graduating from the University of Illinois in 2008, Patrick Striegel found the eighth-grade social-studies job he still holds today at Unity Junior High School in Tolono.
For the last 16 years, the Monticello native has worked to engage students, fostering an environment in which they’re able to develop into active citizens.
“He does a wonderful job of creating community in the classroom and shows a deep respect for all voices in the classroom,” Principal Laura Fitzgerald said. “One of the ways he creates community is a morning message to eighth-graders. Students who start eighth grade thinking that they won’t like social studies often find that eighth-grade social studies turns out to be their favorite class.”
I find my work important because … public schools and teachers are an important part of developing socially and economically active democratic citizens. I tell my students often they are here to develop skills, habits and routines that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
I became a teacher because … I had a great experience as a student in Monticello. I believe in the mission of public schools, and even as an adult, I like the routine and structure that school provides.
My favorite activity that I teach is … a daily discussion with each class. I want students to be comfortable speaking in front of each other as well as sharing their experiences. Speaking publicly and feeling somewhat comfortable is a skill that many adults lack. We start each class period with a quick discussion about the previous day or last night’s events. I participate in these discussions as well to share my experiences with my students.
My most fulfilling moments are when … I see students having success after high school. Seeing former students doing well and being successful post-high school is always fulfilling.
I keep students engaged by … using a variety of strategies. I use images and videos every day. I break my class up into 15-minute segments to keep students from getting bored. I try to relate the social-studies content to their everyday lives.
Something else I’m passionate about is … high school, college and professional sports. My wife and I try to attend and watch as many sporting events as possible. I have recently talked my wife into having two TVs in the living room. This allows us to watch Unity Rockets away games on one TV and college or professional sports on the other.
I was very fortunate to have … many great teachers. John Beccue (Monticello Middle School, science), Phil Deist (Monticello High School, physics) and Linda Davis (Monticello High School, French). The common factor with all of these teachers is they brought their unique personalities into the class each day, were heavily involved in extracurriculars and made a point to build rapport with students and parents. All qualities I try to bring to the profession.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would … still do something in the education field. I cannot envision myself doing something outside of public education. I am interested in school administration, athletic-director positions or a full-time coaching opportunity.
— ANTHONY ZILIS