Seeing the whole learner: Fourth-grade teacher pours passion into helping her students grow

On squid dissection day at Forest Glen Elementary School, fourth-grade teacher Jorie Dragas leads her students through a unique experience.

“No, you don’t have to be that gentle, you’ve got to feel the teeth that are in there,” she directs.

This year, all fourth-grade students work together as one for a day that Dragas describes as “definitely a highlight.”

For Dragas, squid dissection day presents an opportunity to showcase her passion for teaching, one she has had from an early age.

“From the time I was little, starting in kindergarten through elementary school, I would play in my own room at home and my stuffed animals would be my classroom,” Dragas said.

Dragas, who is in her sixth year at Forest Glen, recently received this year’s District 41 Educator of the Year award from the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce.

“Jorie does a wonderful job of building relationships with her students and making the classroom a welcoming environment,” said Forest Glen Principal Scott Klespitz. “I wasn’t surprised when I learned she had been recognized for this award.”

Dragas taught primarily middle school students before starting as a fourth-grade teacher at Forest Glen. Dragas noted the ability to see students as whole learners, an opportunity she did not have in middle school while focusing on one subject.

“It’s something I still enjoy every day,” Dragas said. “The love and natural wonder of what (the fourth graders) are thinking and how to help them.”

Family inspires Dragas to continue to pour passion and love into her students. Dragas credits her upbringing to her parents, whom she calls each evening on her way home from school for that day’s debrief.

Now, Dragas and her husband, Tim, have three children: Charlie, Katie and Zoey.

Charlie is a sophomore at the University of Dayton studying mechanical engineering. Katie and Zoey, juniors at Wheaton Warrenville South, are wrapping up a successful volleyball season for the Tigers.

“It was like I had my own little start of my own classroom,” said Dragas on being a parent. “Just like being a teacher, (being a parent) is just the most rewarding job you’ll ever have.”

Dragas preaches the importance of family in her classroom. For children with less stable situations at home, Dragas provides consistency.

“I love making these family connections because I feel when we can talk about ourselves openly and honestly, are vulnerable with what we talk about, and have empathy for others, it just creates a stronger classroom,” Dragas said.

“I try to be that one constant that some kids can depend on every day,” she added. “That’s what I keep coming back for.”

Students in her class learn structured writing. They read with a focus on identifying themes. The plant and animal internal and external features unit wrapped up in science, and soon the students will be on to the next discovery.

Dragas believes routine plays a crucial role in the success of young students.

“I run a pretty tight ship,” Dragas said. “The more routine you have, the better results you’re going to get.”

No matter the subject, Dragas’ passion and joy for her students continue to drive her passion every day.

“I just try every day to be the type of teacher I want for my own kids because every kid deserves that,” Dragas said.

Curriculum vitae: Jorie Dragas

Age: 51

Hometown: Wheaton

Occupation: Fourth grade teacher at Forest Glen Elementary School in Glen Ellyn

Education: Master of Curriculum and Instructional Processing, Benedictine University; Bachelor of Science in Education, Loyola University Chicago

Hobbies: Family time, walking, reading, movie nights

Five tips from a top teacher

• Don’t be intimidated, everything is a challenge when you’re first starting.
• Appreciate the little successes.
• Listen to the students and be there for them, that is what it’s all about.
• Be willing to ask for help because you can’t do it alone and shouldn’t have to.
• If the lesson doesn’t go as planned, it’s OK. The kids will never remember the lesson that didn’t work. They’re going to remember the fun you had, the way you tried and the love that you showed for them. And that’s what should be coming across every day because you want kids to come back every day.