SLI: How did you become involved with SLI?
TJ: I started working for SLI after being a teacher participant in their workshops with the Chicago Learning Collaborative for three years at John Spry Community School.
SLI: Why did you choose to become involved in education?
TJ: I chose to become a teacher after 13 years as a long term care administrator followed by a year working with runaway/throw away kids in Hollywood. During that very pivotal time, I learned that next to parents, teachers had the greatest impact on their young, challenging lives. With that inspiration, I returned to school and studied for my Master's in Teaching.
SLI: We'd like to get a little silly with you now. Have you ever been mistaken for a celebrity? If so, who?
TJ: It's never happened to me and I really can't think of anyone.
SLI: What is the best movie you have seen lately?
TJ: Hmmm...Does The Sound of Music count?
SLI: Did your parents ever tell you why they chose your name?
TJ: No, but I think I'll ask my mom!!
SLI: If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
TJ: I'd like to think of myself as yellow: being bright, spreading light, and trying to radiate sunshine.
SLI: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
TJ: Coconut
SLI: Which grade in school was your favorite and why?
TJ: Second grade was awesome! I could read and I had a truly loving, wonderful teacher named Mother Petra. I tried to always remember her unending kindness when I taught 2nd graders.
SLI: Do you have any pets?
TJ: Not currently, but I definitely consider myself to be a dog-person!
Thanks so much to Terezka for taking the time to tell us about herself! Congratulations on being the spotlight staff member of the month!!
