A Journey of Kindness and Inspiration
CHICAGO — For Jillian Nolke, a literacy teacher at Skinner North Classical School, her 13th year in the classroom has been filled with moments that remind her why she chose this career. She initially pursued teaching because she wanted to inspire a love for books, but she quickly discovered that her role extended far beyond just helping students learn to read.
In her classroom, kindness is not just a value—it's a guiding principle. Middle school can often be a time of uncertainty and self-discovery, but for Nolke, it's also an opportunity to create a safe space where students can explore their identities and interests. Her approach centers on creating an environment where students feel free to be themselves, experiment with new ideas, and find characters in books who reflect their own experiences.
“I want them to have a safe place in my classroom to be weird and to experiment with what they like and who they want to be,” she said. “I think that goes pretty easy to be kind.”
Finding Her Calling
Nolke’s journey to becoming a middle school teacher wasn’t always straightforward. She began her career teaching high school, but she felt she could make a bigger impact by working with younger students. The shift allowed her to be part of the formative years when students are figuring out who they are and developing their passions.
“I think I really like being a part of that journey for them and exposing them to all sorts of different interests, so that they can decide,” she explained. “And then hopefully go to high school and be a really good person.”
Her dedication to her students has not gone unnoticed. Seventh grader Aiden Seawood, who nominated Nolke for Teacher of the Month, described the classroom as a calm and supportive space. He appreciated the way she helps students when they get stuck on assignments and how she consistently supports their learning.
Personalized Learning and Growth
Nolke’s teaching philosophy emphasizes personalized learning. She takes the time to understand each student’s interests and matches them with books that spark their enthusiasm for reading. This approach not only builds a vibrant classroom culture but also encourages students to take ownership of their learning.
“Substantive work, not quantity, is the focus,” she said. “Second chances may be granted, but consistency and stability are key.”
This sense of stability is something that students rely on, especially during challenging times. Nolke believes that even on days when class doesn’t go as planned, small moments of connection and joy can make all the difference.
“I think it’s finding those little moments of joy,” she said. “As you can have one class period that doesn’t go the way that you want, but then the next class period a kid might walk in and share what they did with the weekend unprompted, and you’re like, ‘Oh you want to tell me!’”
A Rewarding Impact
The impact of Nolke’s work extends beyond the classroom. When she was presented with a $1,000 check by Howard Ankin of Ankin Law, it was a recognition of the positive influence she has on her students’ lives. But for Nolke, the real reward comes from watching her students grow over the course of their middle school years.
She plans to use the money to purchase more books for the 7th and 8th grade reading section in the school library. This investment will help continue the tradition of fostering a love for reading and providing students with access to diverse stories and perspectives.
As Nolke continues her work, she remains committed to creating a classroom where kindness, creativity, and curiosity thrive. For her students, it’s more than just a place to learn—it’s a space where they feel seen, supported, and inspired to be their best selves.
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