STEM is more than a subject; it is an opportunity for students to explore, create and discover what they are capable of.

Heather has been teaching for 12 years, including the past eight years as a STEM teacher. She began her career in the classroom, where she incorporated hands-on STEM activities into everyday lessons.

When her district saw how engaged students became through this approach, she transitioned into a dedicated K–5 STEM teaching role. Heather also holds certifications in special education and English language learning, helping her support a wide range of learners and ensure every student feels included and capable.

One of Heather’s favorite parts of teaching STEM is watching students dive into the process of building, designing, coding and solving real problems. Collaboration plays a big role in her classroom, giving students the chance to practice teamwork while developing important life skills. The most rewarding moments come when students realize they can do something challenging and gain confidence when their ideas come to life.

Heather’s summer classes focus on much more than technical skills. Coding activities help students strengthen logical thinking, focus and perseverance as they solve problems step-by-step. Younger students in STEM Exploration build creativity, curiosity and teamwork through hands-on discovery. By the end of the class, Heather hopes every student will feel proud of what they created and excited to keep exploring new ideas long after summer ends.

Art is more than a class; it's a way for students to find confidence, express themselves and discover their voice.

Alejandro teaches at Shepard High School, where he combines his passion for art with a strong commitment to mentorship. Art has been an important part of his life long before he became a teacher. It helped him develop confidence, an identity and a sense of purpose, and those are the same experiences he hopes to provide for his students.

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching for Alejandro is watching students grow. Many students walk into the classroom unsure of their abilities, but through encouragement and practice, they begin to realize they are capable of far more than they imagined. Alejandro works hard to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable exploring ideas, expressing themselves and taking creative risks without fear of judgment. When students feel supported, they create boldly, and that is when real growth begins.

His summer classes give students the chance to focus on creativity without the pressure of a full academic schedule. In the classroom, students develop important artistic skills such as design, composition and creative problem solving. Beyond the classroom, they gain confidence, independence and the ability to think critically.

Alejandro hopes students will leave his summer classes with confidence in their creative voice, foundational art and design skills, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback. Most importantly, he hopes students will develop a mindset that embraces experimentation, growth and the courage to share their ideas with the world.

English is more than just reading and writing; it’s a way for students to connect, create and discover their own voice.

Alyssa has been teaching for the past two years, guiding both regular and advanced freshmen English classes as well as a creative writing course. What inspires her most are the students themselves and the connections she builds with them, whether bonding over books, shows or their passion for writing.

Her summer classes show students that reading and writing don’t have to feel like homework. Through creative projects, students learn that crafting stories, journaling and exploring words can be fun, relaxing and even therapeutic. Beyond technical skills, Alyssa hopes students discover a creative hobby they love, a way to express themselves without screens and a joyful outlet that sparks imagination.

Science is an opportunity for students to explore the natural world while developing curiosity about animals, nature and how our planet works.

Scott has been a high school science teacher since 2014 and has had the opportunity to teach a wide range of science courses. Three years ago, he was able to create a zoology class, something he had always dreamed of doing. Before becoming a teacher, Scott spent 14 years working as a zookeeper at the Brookfield Zoo. That hands-on experience with animals continues to shape the way he teaches and inspires his students today.

Sharing his love for science, nature and animals is what motivates Scott most in the classroom. He hopes his classes spark curiosity and inspire students to explore science further, whether as a future career or simply as a lifelong interest.

In his summer classes, students dive into the fascinating world of animals and the Earth itself. They learn about different classes of animals while also building an understanding of geology and the natural environment. Along the way, Scott encourages students to strengthen their observation and questioning skills, helping them think like scientists as they explore the world around them.