On October 7, The Cecelia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center sponsored an immersion trip to Chicago in partnership with the National Center for Urban Education (NCUE). The purpose of the trip was for Illinois State University faculty and staff to learn more about urban public schools and how the University can better prepare future educators to meet the needs of urban populations.
NCUE works with Chicago Public Schools and community-based organizations to cultivate and sustain innovative, resilient, and effective educators for urban schools and their communities. NCUE’s mission is to demonstrate the value of community-based partnerships that positively impact children and families in urban settings.
The staff attending the October 7 trip were split into two groups: one visited World Language High School and Corkery Elementary School in Little Village, while the other went to Jacob Beidler Elementary School and Westinghouse High School in East Garfield Park. These are neighborhood schools with significant populations of students of color, diverse learners, and English language learners.
“As schools are becoming more and more diverse, students need more and more experiences dealing with all kinds of student learners. And so I feel that these trips and opportunities help students and our school district partners,” said Monica Noraian, acting director of the College of Education’s Cecilia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center.
In addition to touring the facilities, the groups met with school representatives, administrators, and teachers to learn more about what it means to teach at an urban school. One thing that stood out was how the administrators emphasized adaptation and growth of the educators as much as the students.
“I’m proud of the work that our teachers are doing there,” Noraian said. “I’m excited that they’re being stretched and growing and making a difference in different communities.”
The second half of the day consisted of a lunch with representatives from NCUE’s partner community organizations Latinos Progresando and Breakthrough Urban Ministries and touring the Garfield Park Conservatory and the National Museum of Mexican Art, two educational resources within the communities. NCUE strives to provide these cultural experiences so that participants can understand the importance of community to urban schools, especially to neighborhood schools. A student’s community has the potential to create a sense of pride and opportunities to grow outside of the classroom.
NCUE hopes to continue providing these immersive opportunities for Illinois State students, faculty, and staff.
