Passion and Purpose: Transforming Lives Through Education"

The Power of Play: Michelle Eggarter Lewis' Journey to Intentional Teaching

In this episode of "Chronicles of a Daisy," host Emily Daisy Gasca interviews Michelle Eggarter Lewis, a passionate dual language kindergarten teacher from West Chicago. Michelle shares her journey and philosophy of implementing play-based learning, highlighting its benefits for early childhood development, social-emotional learning, and academic success. The discussion emphasizes the evolving nature of teaching, the importance of creating structured yet engaging environments, and practical advice for educators and parents to foster children's growth. Michelle's story serves as an inspiration for teachers to embrace innovative approaches in their classrooms.

Perseverance and Passion: An Educator's Path To Success con Brenda Mendoza

**Meet Brenda Perez Mendoza** Brenda’s story is not just about education. It's about determination, perseverance, struggle, and relentless self-belief which ultimately led her to become a successful educator and a powerful voice in her community.  An ardent educationist, Brenda commenced her professional journey sixteen years ago, enabling students by integrating a love for learning with a strong sense of character. Her insightful experiences and tireless dedication led her on the path towards helping students uncover joy in education and personal growth.  In our conversation, Brenda revealed a transformative moment from her early childhood. Being the first Hispanic student in her kindergarten and the first generation in the US, she was faced with intense struggles like the language barrier and the harsh reality of not having enough support in the novel environment. This challenge stayed with her, turning into one of her life missions as she grew up.  Mixing her experience with her calling to become a teacher, she fought to become a bilingual educator, striving to give diverse students a teacher she wished she had when she was young.

From the Ground Up: Building a Legacy of Learning with Tomas Lobato

Empowering Education: Insights from Tomas Lobato, a Dedicated Early Childhood Educator In this episode of Chronicles of a Daisy, host Emily Daisy Gasca interviews Tomas Lobato, an educator, activist, and remarkable teacher known for transforming the lives of many children. Lobato shares his educational journey, including his experience studying abroad, teaching English in South Korea, Spain, and France, and ultimately focusing on early childhood education upon returning to the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and enriching first educational experience for children, the role of structure, routines, and the incorporation of social-emotional learning in the curriculum. The discussion also covers the effective use of language and visuals in the classroom, the significance of understanding each child's unique needs, and the value of setting routines and high expectations. Additionally, Lobato offers advice for parents on supporting their children's development and educational journey.

Passion and Purpose: Transforming Lives Through Education"

The story of Crystal Jameau and Emily Daisy Gasca is more than just an account of two educators. It's a call to action for all of us—to recognize the transformative power of education and commit ourselves to making that power accessible to every child. It's a reminder that in the hands of passionate and dedicated educators, education can be a catalyst for change, a tool for equity, and a path to a better world.

"Building Communities of Empowerment: The Story of Briana Morales"

Emily Daisy Gasca interviews Briana Morales, a teacher and the 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year. Briana shares her personal journey, including facing childhood trauma, finding her purpose as an educator, and the impact she's making in the lives of her students. She also discusses her nonprofit organization, Sisterhood of Hope, which aims to empower girls of color through mentorship and scholarships." Briana Morales Briana Morales is a proud Latina and freedom fighter for students in alternative education, where she has spent her career loving and learning alongside students furthest from justice in East St. Louis, IL. She focuses on empowering her students with personalized, competency-based education where their cultural funds of knowledge are honored and students work at their own pace to master content rather than traditional learning that focuses on seat time and completion of work. Morales was honored as a 2021 NCTE Early Career Educator of Color and has shared the journey her students have embarked on to turn pain into power through poetry both locally and nationally. Her commitment as a school board member for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, School District #428 has allowed her to elevate the voices of justice-impacted youth. Morales has been active in education policy work at the state level around diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, most recently a champion of $300K in state funding to provide professional development to in-service educators around cultural responsiveness. She is deeply passionate about creating healing-centered spaces where Black and brown students can feel seen, heard, and, one day, be free to be their authentic selves. Her love offering toward this future is her nonprofit, (Sister)Hood of Hope, Inc., dedicated to honoring brighter futures for girls of color everywhere by empowering them through the community of sisterhood. Morales believes in education as a tool that equips young people to become change agents in their community and have a fighting chance at the life they deserve. She is currently a doctoral candidate in diversity and equity in education at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.