Reaching students outside school setting key for Palatine teacher
Kim Haas is a special-education teacher at Palatine Township Elementary District 15's Winston Campus Elementary School. She has been teaching with the district for 12 years. Before that, she was a tutor in the ESL department for five years.
Q. Why is it important to reach outside the school district and build relationships with other organizations like the Palatine Opportunity Center to improve the education of diverse learners?
A. It's important to reach outside the school district and build relationships with other organizations to improve the education of diverse learners by offering every child opportunities and enrichments to become successful lifelong learners.
Programs offered through places like the POC give children another place to connect, learn and play. Many of these programs are brought to their homes. Volunteering in these programs helps me to know the students and their families outside the classroom.
These programs help to bring education to where they live and play. I believe in always continuing to learn, and I want to instill this love of learning in them. I am a better teacher because I know them as whole children.
Q. What are some of the challenges faced by diverse populations in terms of education and how do you address them?
A. Some of the barriers that face students with diverse backgrounds are language acquisition, cultural challenges, financial hardship, and access to things like computers, internet, supplies to complete school projects, and transportation.
The families are some of the hardest working people, but are faced with challenges to provide for their children. They can get support for these necessities in the community so that students become more successful learners. The POC offers after school homework centers, craft days, science fair help, and even opportunities for connections with District 211 and Harper College.
I have volunteered at the Community Garden, where I have been involved with entire families learning together. This is a mission of District 15, and something my principal strongly supports and encourages. Supporting the entire family is essential so the children can be ready and eager to learn each day at school.
Q. Was there an event, conversation, or experience that led you to reach out and become part of the district's partnership with the POC?
A. The first time I volunteered with the POC, I went to Edgebrook to help students with homework after school. The children had very few items to complete their homework, and relied almost completely on the supplies donated through the community.
I saw how much need there was to support these students, and I knew I wanted to volunteer in other aspects of this organization. I know how hard the teachers at Winston and the entire district work during the day to create an enriching environment for these students, and I wanted to continue this after work, as well. I know there are other teachers who also volunteer at community organizations for these same reasons.
Q. What drew you personally to working with this part of your school district's mission and student population?
A. I was drawn personally to working with this part of school District 15's mission and population because I have many students in my own classroom who come from many diverse backgrounds.
I have been working on my own Spanish for years, and being able to meet and greet these students with words in their own language brings a smile to their faces. I love learning about different cultures. Being a part of an organization like the POC has brought so much value to my own life. These students and families also offer me so much joy.