Lindsay Brotherton’s career began in 2004 when she spent a few years as a substitute teacher, but her future career was determined as a second-grader in Mahomet, when her teacher inspired her to pursue the profession.
Fittingly, she now teaches second grade at Pleasant Acres Elementary School in Rantoul.
Brotherton is a “dedicated teacher at Pleasant Acres who always supports student-teachers and colleagues, serves as a mentor, and helps coordinate many meaningful schoolwide activities,” Principal Samantha Sebestik said. “She is detail-oriented, cares greatly about her students, holds them to high expectations, and has great classroom management skills.”
I find my work important because … each scholar in my classroom needs a positive influence in his/her life. I can be that for them, not just through reading, writing and arithmetic, but also as a person.
I became a teacher because … of my second-grade teacher (Mrs. Dyer). She made school fun for me, and when I needed help with my reading skills, she was there for me.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … Secret Stories. I was introduced to Secret Stories in 2020 during virtual learning by a coworker. Each year, I continue to use Secret Stories to help students learn the letter combinations and the sounds they make together. Secret Stories are fun stories to share that students love to laugh at, but it helps them remember the sounds. I get to act a little silly and laugh with them as they learn. I have seen improved reading and spelling skills since I have used them.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … scholars “get it,” whether it be a reading, math or social skill achieved. You can see the pride in their eyes. These moments make all the hard work and time I put in worth it.
I keep students engaged by … creating many times during the school day that scholars can get up and move. During a school day, we transition multiple times, allowing students to have a choice in the next activity or move to the next subject. Another way to keep scholars engaged is to do hands-on activities, especially in science, creating murals/diagrams, building stable structures, and melting candy.
Something else I’m passionate about is … my children. I have a son (15) and a daughter (24). My daughter is a teacher and coach at Rantoul Township High School. My son is an athlete at M-S High School. I attend as many of their sports events as possible and love every minute.
My favorite teacher was … My favorite teacher was Mrs. Dyer, my second-grade teacher at the former Sangamon Elementary School in Mahomet.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would … work at a dog shelter. I love dogs. I would love to spend more time with them and help them find a well-deserved forever home. Truly, since I was 8 years old, I have wanted nothing more than to teach children.
— Anthony Zilis