Name: Erin Weldon
School: Hononegah High School, Rockton
What do you teach?: Spanish
Years active as a teacher: 10

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

A good day at school is when my students feel comfortable and engaged while they are learning and interacting in my room. The light-bulb moments are always a plus, too!

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I graduated from Hononegah and had many excellent teachers that made connections with their students. Ann Reynolds was my favorite teacher. I remember being excited to go to her class every day, and I hope my students feel that way about coming to my class.

If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?

I went with a group of my colleagues this past summer on a student trip to Costa Rica. It is my favorite place in the world, and it was amazing to watch the students experience it for the first time. In the future, I would love to take students to Colombia, Ecuador, and/or Peru.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I love spending time with my husband Casey and my 4-year-old son Henry, as well as with our family and friends. I also instruct and train at DelaRosa Submission Wrestling Academy in Roscoe. I have practiced kickboxing and Filipino martial arts for over 15 years.

What kind of student were you?

I was quiet and kept my head down. I worked hard and did well, but I wish I had been more involved and challenged myself more. I encourage my students to work outside their comfort zones academically and to become involved in the many clubs and sports we have available here.

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