In her first year at Kenwood Elementary School, third-grade teacher Esther Frisbie simply wanted to give back to a community that gave so much to her when she arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo 16 years ago.
Frisbie, who knew little English at the time of her arrival, flourished throughout her time at Garden Hills Elementary School, and she credits her teachers for that success. The University of Illinois at Springfield graduate hopes to provide that same kind of guidance for a diverse array of students throughout her career.
I find my work important because … I have the privilege of shaping students’ lives. Education is the gateway to a brighter future, and I am passionate about inspiring my students to embrace learning. My goal is to nurture lifelong learners who will go on to make a meaningful impact in their generation.
I became a teacher because … I wanted to give back to my community, because I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible teachers who have guided me. When I arrived in this country with little to no English, I was fortunate to have dedicated ESL and homeroom teachers who invested in me every single day. The gratitude I feel for all the teachers who helped shape my life is beyond words.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … Having grown up with a love for math, it’s no surprise that it’s my favorite subject to teach. For most of my students, math is also their favorite subject. One of the things I truly enjoy is using SAVVAS in my classroom. What sets it apart from other resources is its ability to accommodate all types of learners. Every day, we engage with visual learning videos that keep my students actively engaged. For those who are kinesthetic learners, we incorporate hands-on activities. I especially love how SAVVAS makes math accessible to all students, providing audible resources for those who may struggle with reading the problems.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … a student finally grasps what you’re teaching, and that light bulb moment happens, it makes all the planning truly worthwhile.
I keep students engaged by … I believe in keeping students active and engaged throughout the school day. Personally, I never could stay seated for long periods and still stay focused, so I don’t expect my students to do so either. I encourage them to move around and collaborate with their peers as much as possible to foster a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Something else I’m passionate about is … In addition to my passion for teaching, my family holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been happily married for almost three years, and my husband means the world to me. I’m also incredibly close to my immediate family and feel blessed to have the most supportive parents and siblings anyone could ask for. Music is another passion of mine, and I love worshiping with my French congregation at Life Church CU.
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was … I’ve had many favorite teachers, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Nicole Perez. She currently teaches at International Prep Academy and was my ESL teacher at Garden Hills. Mrs. Perez dedicated so much time and energy to my growth, always making herself available whenever I needed support. She went above and beyond to foster a meaningful relationship with both me and my family. I always looked forward to entering her classroom, where learning felt both welcoming and inspiring. She will always be my source of inspiration as a teacher.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … I truly believe teaching is my calling, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I have a deep passion for working with third-graders, and I also find great fulfillment in serving as a youth leader at my church.
— ANTHONY ZILIS