W. Chicago teacher awarded a 'seismic' opportunity

West Chicago Middle School science teacher, Mrs. Katie Gentile, was awarded a truly unforgettable experience this summer when she was accepted into a two-week long earthquake study program offered by Earthscope, a National Science Foundation program that studies the structure and evolution of the North America continent by installing scientific instruments across the United States in order to understand why earthquakes happen along the interiors of the continent.

As part of their educational outreach program, the group offers a two-week long earthquake study to middle school teachers - one week in the classroom and the other week traveling to southern Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee to study different geological landforms.

Mrs. Gentile commented that “it was an unforgettable experience, one I will reference to and teach lessons from for years to come. I was also able to share everything I learned with all of the other science teachers in the building, so that their students could also benefit from the workshop.”

As part of the application process, Mrs. Gentile was required to write an essay explaining the reasons why she wanted to be a part of this workshop. In her essay she discussed that West Chicago Elementary School District 33 is an amazing place to be and the quality of the character of the students. She emphasized how important it was for her to "bring science alive" to her students and in her words she wrote: “I strive to give them every educational opportunity available to them. I do this, quite simply, because they deserve it.”

Despite the large number of applicants and a waiting list, Mrs. Gentile was accepted into this program. As a result, District 33 science students will truly benefit, not only from most engaging material currently available in the field of Earth sciences, but from Mrs. Gentile's genuine enthusiasm and love for her students and teaching.