Clarivel Sahagun is a teacher at the Early Childhood Center in Elmwood Park. She said she feels like she can relate to her students.
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?
A: I grew up in Chicago. I went to Funston Elementary School, and I went to an all girls’ Catholic school for high school, Madonna High School.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?
A: I think it was my fourth year of college at UIC. I had the opportunity to volunteer for a year at a school, and I realized I wanted to be around children.
Q: What do you teach at the Early Childhood Center?
A: I teach bilingual kindergarten.
Q: What do you like most about working there?
A: I like the administrative support and the parents’ will to participate. They’re very positive about bilingual education. I love teaching both languages.
Q: Did you grow up speaking Spanish?
A: Spanish is my first language, so I can understand my students. Growing up, I was in a program where I had to either sink or swim.
Q: What do you like the most about working in Elmwood Park?
A: I like the community. I like the parents’ support and the administration.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
