Andrea Woldman

Teacher: Andrea Woldman

Subject: Transitional English, English, Literature, Writing

School: Belvidere North High School

Teaching experience: 11 at BNHS, 19 total

What did a recommender say about this teacher?

• “What sets Andrea apart is her heart for students. Her students thrive not only academically, but personally, gaining confidence, communication skills and a deeper understanding of themselves. Her participation in district and statewide initiatives demonstrates her expertise and desire to improve educational opportunities for all students.” – letter of recommendation from Principal
• “She approaches curriculum development with creativity and rigor, ensuring students are challenged, supported and inspired by the learning experiences offered. Her classroom is a place of authenticity, curiosity and deep engagement – where students feel seen, valued and empowered to grow as readers, writers and thinkers.” – letter of recommendation from a peer

What does she say? “Students need a choice in what they learn as well as how they learn. Getting to know them at the beginning of the year helps with knowing what they need to be successful. Having an open dialogue with students lets us set a path for their future learning, together.” One way she gets to know her students is by using the first day of school to let students get to know her. The rest of that week they get to know each other. They play “Get to Know You Jenga,” [each piece has a get to know you question on it] moving around the room, which helps eliminate nervous energy. “The more comfortable students are in my classroom, the more likely they are to feel comfortable to ask me for help when they are struggling.”

What else? At BNHS, she is an English department content leader, Link Crew Coordinator linking juniors and seniors to lead and mentor incoming freshmen, student mentor, student teacher supervisor and Coffee Club advisor. Beyond BNHS, she participates in district educational services, the Transitional English local advisory panel at Rock Valley College and Statewide Transitional English. Andrea unexpectedly lost her husband two years ago. When she returned to school, another teacher told her that “while it was not a lesson [she] planned on teaching the students, she showed them that an adult that they cared about, could go through the unimaginable, yet continue to show up for them every day. She said they learned the true meaning of perseverance from me.”