Award-winning teacher enjoys every day with her students

Teacher Patricia Walker recently received an educational distinction award for her work at Eastview Elementary School in Steger.

"I have a job that not too many people are lucky enough to have. I enjoy every single day, and wake up excited and ready for work. Every day is different," she said.

Walker has been teaching for 20 years, and this year is in charge of 20 second-graders.

But she wasn't always so sure teaching was the right fit.

"It was my husband that saw my ability to teach," Walker recalled. He saw my patience and ability to help with morale and confidence with our own five children. But I didn't believe him at first."

Walker attended Prairie State College and Governors State University, and now teaches all elementary subjects on a daily basis.

One of her professional goals is to help students that are struggling, either academically or behaviorally. She uses the PBIS method — Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports — rewarding good behavior with tickets students can use to buy trinkets at the school store.

"If it's a behavioral problem, I try to find out what's behind it. A lot of these children have a rough home life. If it's academic, I usually pull them aside and spend time working with them. It's all a part of teaching, learning to overcome," she said.

"I love the look in their eyes when the light goes on. It's very nice to have an impact on the lives of students."

Walker is also excited about a grant the school recently got to help students stay safe.

"We just received a grant for safety rule learning. This will help children cross the streets around the school safely. The traffic is just awful, and we need more assistance," she said.

In addition to her love for teaching, Walker likes to garden with flowers and vegetables, and incorporates many houseplants into her classroom during the winter months.

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