Leyre Bilbao-Luri

Teacher: Leyre Bilbao-Luri

Subject: Spanish Language Arts

School: Belvidere South Middle School

Teaching experience: Three years at BSMS, 10 years total

What did a nominator or recommender say about this teacher?

• “She knows everyone learns in different ways, and she always takes the time to listen and help when we need it. Ms. Bilbao is an outstanding teacher because she is kind, funny and truly understands every student. She inspires us to do our best and reminds us that school can be a place full of kindness, laughter, and support.” – a student nomination
• “I have never met a teacher who gives so completely of herself. She has touched countless lives, uplifted families, strengthened programs and set a standard of compassion and excellence that will remain long after she leaves. She has inspired me not only to be a better teacher, but a braver person.” – a peer letter of recommendation

What does this teacher say? “Three years ago, I arrived here as a result of a Visitor Teacher Program coordinated between Spain and the USA in order to learn and achieve new goals. I came with nothing but a dream to follow and experiences to live. That includes a medium-low English level that made it difficult to communicate with my peers. But it also connected me to the heart of my students’ daily struggle as English Learners in the dual program.”

What else do we know? The very first full English conversation she ever had was at the school, when she met staff members. Since then, she’s reached fluency in English, expanding her instructional abilities and strengthening her connection to Spanish-speaking families.