Kerri Gborigi was a college student when she took a summer job as a counselor working with students in an underserved neighborhood. The program director informed her the class she would be in charge of had three counselors leave due to the challenges and behaviors the students presented.
“I was young, inexperienced and had no idea what to expect when I accepted the position,” Gborigi said. “However, I am so glad I did.”
It was that early training — and opportunity to make a difference in the lives of her students — that led to her decision to become a teacher.
“The experience of getting to know those students, hear their stories and slowly but surely watch how having structure, support and high expectations can make a major difference in a young person’s life, regardless of their economic status or home situation,” Gborigi said. “When I returned to college that fall I made the decision to pursue a career in education.”
We sat down with Gborigi to learn more.
What do you teach and where do you teach? I teach third grade at Maplebrook Elementary School in Naperville.
How long have you been teaching? I have been teaching for 13 years, 11 years at Maplebrook.
What’s your education background? I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in curriculum and instruction from University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
What’s the best advice a fellow teacher ever gave you? Remember to take care of yourself so that you have the energy to care for others.
What’s the best part about being a teacher? There is no other job where singing about geometry or the 50 states, building a levee, settling an argument or two, teaching someone to tie their shoe, drying a few tears and dressing up as your favorite book character are just normal things to do before 9 a.m.
What’s the most challenging part? The most challenging part of teaching is waiting all day to get a chance to go to the bathroom!
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be? Broadcast journalist or travel writer.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were a student and why? My favorite teacher was my eighth-grade language arts teacher, Pamela Joyner, of West Carroll Middle School in Trezvant, Tenn. Mrs. Joyner was very serious about education. She expected all of her students to succeed and considered it a personal mission to find ways to help make it happen. She made each day fun and interesting but also had no problem letting you know if you were not meeting expectations. She was so kind and passionate in every interaction that she made you want to do better.
How has school changed over the years? I believe school or the idea of learning has changed from a destination to a journey. In the past, people went to school to learn a set of particular skills for a particular job that they would perform for a lifetime. Now, our students are learning to be problem solvers and innovators who are comfortable with change. Our goal is that students will have a desire to learn and grow forever.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love reading, running and taking road trips with my husband and two children.
What are you reading now? I am a crime mystery thriller fanatic! James Patterson and Lisa Gardner are two of my favorite authors. I am currently reading “Anonymous Girl” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.
Do you have a book you’d recommend for the kids you teach? “Because of Mr. Terupt” by Rob Buyea.
Three words that best describe you: Creative, calm and driven.
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? Though it has been a while, I can play the clarinet.