True connections: Arlington Heights teacher builds bonds in and out of the classroom

Growing up, did you ever run into one of your teachers outside of school? Maybe going down the aisles of the grocery store?

In some ways, the adolescent mind could barely imagine our teachers had lives of their own — families, friends, chores and hobbies — outside the confines of their classroom walls.

Seeing them after the dismissal bell rang, or on weekends, could be surprise, embarrassment and youthful innocence all converging in one awkward moment.

But one Northwest suburban teacher has made a point to get to know her students and their families outside of the school day.

Lisa Smorczewski, a second grade teacher at Westgate Elementary School in Arlington Heights Elementary District 25, attends a whole host of her students’ activities, from Little League games to piano recitals.

She begins each school year by sending a letter to parents to ask if they’d welcome her at one of their child’s events, and if so, to send their busy extracurricular calendars.

Every family has bought in since she started the getting-to-know-you effort five years ago, when she looked for ways to strengthen bonds and in-person interactions as the Westgate school community emerged from the pandemic.

“Teaching is about making connections in the classroom, but also making connections outside of the classroom,” Smorczewski said.

Now Smorczewski’s initiative is getting noticed outside of Westgate. She will be among the honorees Feb. 22 at the Arlington Heights Special Events Commission’s Hearts of Gold awards at Rolling Green Country Club. Smorczewski won in the Educator category, which recognizes someone who “goes beyond expectations to teach others.”

“Teachers are some of the most important people in our kids’ lives, and to have someone like Lisa go above and beyond to come to these events has meant so much to my daughter and to other kids in Westgate,” said Meredith Czaplewski, one of several parents to write nomination letters on Smorczewski’s behalf.

“To have her show up at these activities that the kids love, that they take so much pride in, it just means everything to them.”

“They get a giant smile on their face when they see her in the crowd,” Czaplewski added. “It’s just really special, and really enforces how much she means to them, and how much they mean to her outside of the classroom.”

For example, take 10-year-old Eleanor Schoenbeck, who was performing on stage as young Anna in a park district production of “Frozen.” She said she had stage fright, but when she saw Smorczewski in the audience, that nervousness “kind of just washed away.”

“She actually really cared about me. Not just like a teacher that’s doing her job, but like, a teacher that’s really nice and really caring and actually cares about her students and loves her students,” Eleanor said.

Now in fourth grade, Eleanor is among the Westgate students who regularly return to Smorczewski’s classroom for “lunch bunch” get-togethers to share memories and catch up.

Staying in touch with former students and fostering connections with current students can make for a robust schedule for Smorczewski — and her family. She often brings along her husband and two college-aged children to the after-school and weekend events.

“The best part about it is when you’re there, you get to meet Grandma and Grandpa and the aunts and the uncles and their siblings,” she said. “It’s always just super fun to have those big connections.”

So far this school year she’s attended activities of 10 students, with another 10 to go.

The latest event — and one of the more unique ones, she says — was a student’s horseback riding day.

Next up is a gymnastics meet.

She’s even been invited to special occasions, like a First Communion.

And after every event, she returns to her Westgate classroom to post a picture with each student to her “selfie wall.”

“I cheer them on and I work with them at school, but I will cheer them on outside of school,” Smorczewski said. “Teaching is inspiring others, but they inspire me to be the best person I can be.”

Curriculum vitae: Lisa Smorczewski

Age: 48

Residence: Mount Prospect

Hometown: Norridge

Occupation: Second grade teacher at Westgate Elementary School since 2021; started in Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 in 2019

Education: Concordia University

Activities: Building Learnership Team, Behavior Team committee, Lunch Duty Supervisor

Tips from a top teacher

• Build genuine connections. Take time to know your students beyond the classroom. Find out what excites them, what challenges them, and what matters most in their lives.

• Stay organized. Preparation creates calm. When your days are organized, your energy can go where it matters most.

• Be brave and take chances. Step outside your comfort zone and put yourself out there.

• Invest in relationships with your colleagues. They will be your biggest cheerleaders, your support system, and a daily source of encouragement and joy.

• Remember to smile and have fun.