Reflection on Community and Gratitude
As the days get colder and the school year finds its rhythm, our region has been pausing to reflect on gratitude. Where we feel it, how it shows up, and the ways our students and teammates remind us every day why this work matters.
We asked our corps members, our Ignite tutors, and our Ignite site leaders to share what they are grateful for. Their responses offer a window into the relationships, small victories, and daily joys happening across schools in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Together, their reflections tell a story about trust, learning, and the heart of our work.
Gratitude for Relationships That Transform
Many of our corps members say their deepest gratitude comes from the relationships they are building with students.
At KIPP Ascend Middle School, first-year corps member Brendan Rogers shared his appreciation for the training he received on culturally responsive teaching. He noted how it helped him form stronger relationships with his students, and how excited he feels to continue learning alongside them.
At Catalyst Maria Elementary School, Melanie McQueen reflected on a moment during Rug Time when a student asked her why she talks to them. She replied, “Because you are a person with ideas, thoughts, and feelings that deserve to be heard.” That small exchange says so much about what it means to affirm students’ humanity and brilliance.
At LEARN 7, Caleb Cohen described how gratitude often appears in quick and unexpected moments. A shy hand raised. A joyful smile. Even a perfectly timed serving of tater tots in the cafeteria. He shared that many people told him Teach For America would change his life, and that only a few months in, he already knows it is true.
Gratitude for Growth, Both Big and Small
Corps members also spoke about the gratitude they feel when they witness growth in their students.
At Herzl School of Excellence, Lakenya Ratliff said she is grateful for daily breakthroughs that remind her why she shows up. The moment a student proudly writes their name for the first time or reads a sentence aloud with joy feels sacred to her. These moments keep her rooted in patience and hope.
At Horizon Science Academy Southwest Chicago, Emilia Kapusta shared how her students push her to be her best each morning. She looks forward to their Friday dance parties after assessment days, a time when she gets to celebrate with them and see more of their identities and personalities.
At Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park, Hafsa Farooq told us about a student who recently received their first college acceptance after facing significant challenges. Their excitement and pride filled her with gratitude and reminded her of the power of persistence.
Gratitude for Community, Collaboration and the Launch of Ignite
This is the first year our region is running the Ignite Fellowship, and already it is clear how meaningful this work feels to Fellows and site leaders alike.
At Horizon Science Academy Belmont, site leader Katy Chapman shared how thankful she is for her Fellows. She appreciates their hard work, reliability, and willingness to adjust based on student needs. She shared that they consistently respond with care and effort.
Ignite Fellow Dechen Atsatsang said she is grateful for her two fifth grade students whose curiosity brings so much meaning to each session. Their eagerness to learn and their pride when they succeed inspire her week after week.
At Horizon Science Academy Southwest Chicago, site leader Jessica Hartman shared her appreciation for the connections that Fellows are building with students. She sees how excited students are to log in each day and how often they share positive feedback about their experiences. This enthusiasm reminds her of the importance of the relationships at the center of the program.
At Belmont Science Academy, Ignite Fellow Shea Bryan reflected on a tender moment with a student who worried that no one next semester would understand her the same way. It was a moment that reminded Shea of the trust they have built, even on harder days. She also shared deep gratitude for her site leader, Katy Chapman, who supports her with quick communication, clarity, and genuine care.
A Region Rooted in Thankfulness
Each of these reflections reminds us that gratitude lives in the everyday work of teaching and tutoring. It appears in classroom conversations, in shared celebrations, and in the quiet moments when students feel seen and heard. Our corps members, Fellows, and site leaders are building relationships that strengthen classrooms and open doors for students. Their stories remind us that our work is ultimately about people and the connections that help all of us grow. As we close out the year, we extend our gratitude to every student, educator, family, partner, and teammate who makes this community what it is. Thank you for being part of this work, showing up, and helping us move forward together.