Every week I will be spotlighting a staff member or a team. This week I will begin by introducing our new CASE teacher Ms. Kelly Collins-Phipps.
How long and what grades have you taught?
I started off my career in education nine years ago as a long term Sub Teacher. I have always had a love for learning and a drive to help others and because of this, I began working as a full-time Instructional Assistant for District 123's Special Education Program eight years ago! Over the years, I have taught students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grades! It wasn't very long before I realized that I had a strong passion for teaching and it became apparent that there was no other career for me. In 2020, well into my seventh year with the district, I decided that I had so much more to offer my students so I enrolled in National-Louis University Masters in Teaching Special Education program. Despite the challenges of the world that were happening simultaneously as I was matriculating through my coursework, I finished strong in April 2022 and so here I am, one of Hometown Elementary's newest CASE teachers.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Maldives is on my bucket list of places to travel to. It is a small country in South Asia that is situated in the Indian Ocean. Why Maldives? A great friend of mine had the pleasure of vacationing there and her photos seemed like something out of the magazines!!! Everything seemed so BEAUTIFUL and she couldn't stop raving about the gorgeous ombre yellow and orange sunset off the Indian ocean that was accompanied with the perfect warm Summer breeze. It appears to be a simply breath-taking place to visit. Despite the rainy season in July, the weather appears to be optimal for laying on the beach and soaking in the sun.
What are you most excited for this year?
I'm most excited for this new opportunity to teach and inspire my wonderful class. I'm confident that we will have BIG FUN as we learn and GROW together! I have so many innovative and fun things planned for my students this year and I can't wait to share! In a nutshell, I'm simply ready to teach and capture smiles and create unforgettable memories along the way!!!
What is your favorite food? TACOS TACOS and did I say TACOS!! More specifically, I like authentic tacos with the works none of that Taco bell stuff will do!! I have been known to order tacos with extra tacos on top of my tacos with a side of double tacos...and DONT FORGET THE GUACAMOLE!!!
Who is someone you admire and why?
Since as long as I can remember I have admired my Mom. As a kid and even now as an adult my Mom was an admiral person. She was loving and nurturing, strong and resilient. She had a charismatic personality with such an accomplished personality. Her fearless approach to life showed me early-on that I can do anything I put my mind to. I watched my Mom preserve through many obstacles and challenges throughout her life. Nevertheless, she would seem to pull things off with such an enormous amount of grace and a huge smile! Before her untimely death, she battled some health issues but she never let any of her challenges hold her back from giving the world all she had to offer. My mom was an amazing woman whom I have always admired for as long as I can remember for showing me the true strength of a woman.
If you see Ms. Collins-Phipps around Hometown, please welcome her and say hello!
