February's WWEA Educator Spotlight

The Wheaton Warrenville Education Association (WWEA) would like to introduce Mrs. Michele Foster, a 4 year kindergarten educator at Bower Elementary in District 200 with 11 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Foster attended District 200 schools and graduated from Wheaton Central. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from the University of Iowa.

Mrs. Foster chose the education profession because she has always loved working with children. She stated that she often "played school" as a child with her younger sibling. As she moved on to high school and college, she dabbled in lesson planning while creating activities as a preschool camp counselor. Today, Mrs. Foster is a kindergarten teacher who volunteers her time for the Bower Building Improvement Team. She stated, "I am most proud of the sweet little notes and pictures I receive daily from my students who are beginning writers. I love to see the pride on their faces as they present me with a note they wrote all by themselves!" One of her favorite anonymous quotes is, "In no other job will you get original artwork, dandelions,and hugs for simply doing your job." She also appreciates the proud notes and emails from parents simply thanking her for all that she does to support and inspire her students.

Mrs. Foster strives to reach each and everyone of her students. Every Spring, she puts a note in her classroom newsletter to parents requesting their child's sport or activity schedule. She tries to go see as many of her 52 kindergarten students outside of school as she can to offer support and encouragement. This experience has allowed her to see soccer games, t-ball, gymnastics, swimming, and she's been an honored guest at dance recitals. The excitement on her students' faces and the gratitude in their parents' voices make her heart swell with joy every time she goes somewhere.

Being an educator means a great deal to Mrs. Foster. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to teach some of the youngest learners in our school district. She enjoys experiencing their love for learning, genuine friendships and advances in reading, writing, and math. Mrs. Foster summed up her love of teaching in another favorite quote, "You laugh, you cry, and work harder than you ever thought you could. Some days you're trying to change the world, and some days you're trying to make it through the day. Your wallet is empty, your heart is full, and your mind is packed with memories of kids that have changed your life."

Thank you, Mrs. Foster, for putting your best foot forward every day to inspire lifelong learning in our students. Your passion for teaching excellence is evident in your classroom.