Ms. Terri Eilks

Bio:

I taught 2nd grade for 4 years and have currently taught 1st grade for 21 years at Brook Forest School. I knew from the time I was in kindergarten that I wanted to teach young children and make a difference in the lives of the children that I teach.

Education:

I grew up in Clarendon Hills. I went to Prospect School, Hinsdale Jr. High and graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 1975. I went 2 years to Eastern Illinois University and transferred to Northern Illinois University and graduated in 1979. I received my Masters Degree from Xavier University in May 2000 at the age of 43!

Goal:

As I continue on my journey as a teacher of young children, I would like my students to:
1. Develop a passion for learning and become life-long learners.
2. Take pride in their work, always try, and never give up.
3. Learn from their mistakes and see that mistakes must be made in order to make progress.
4. Respect themselves as well as others and know that we must all help one another.
5. Develop a sense of humor and be able to laugh with themselves, not at themselves.
6. Believe in their dreams and know that anything and everything is possible!

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I became a teacher because I wanted to create an environment that is fun, active, cooperative and safe for children to learn in. I wanted to empower children so that they may become responsible, independent thinkers who make appropriate choices. I also wanted to celebrate the fact that different children have different needs and their different needs must be appreciated. I also wanted to educate the whole child ~ academically, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. I also wanted to model the passion that I have for children, family, friends, learning, and life. I also wanted to teach them well.