Educator Spotlight: Karla Quevedo

What is your role at CICS Northtown Academy?

I am a high school Spanish teacher at CICS Northtown Academy.  

What attracted you to teaching at Northtown Academy? 

I myself was a student at Northtown Academy in 2010 and graduated in 2014. I am very pleased with the education I received, the teachers who taught me and the diversity at the school. I am honored to be able to return as an educator and help students be part of the NTA educational experience. 

Why did you choose to be an educator?

As an NTA student, I was taught by educators who motivated and steered me in the right direction. They influenced me to become the professional I am today.  I want to do the same, which is why I became an teacher—to profoundly impact the lives of my students. I believe educational experiences during an adolescent’s life are the most memorable. 

What is the most rewarding aspect(s) of being an educator?

The most rewarding aspect of being an educator is the ability to influence a student’s future. As a teacher, you are teaching children the skills they need to go out into the real world and succeed. You help them build their self-esteem. Teaching students isn’t just about giving them the basic tools to learn a particular subject.  It is also about building a trustworthy and professional relationship with them. As a teacher, I aspire to do this every single day. 

What is the most challenging aspect(s) of being an educator?

I wouldn't say there is such a thing as a “challenging aspect” because each and every one of my students is special, has different goals and ambitions and I try to assist them along the way.  I’m personally honored to be able to help each and every one of them meet their educational goals. 

What classroom innovation(s) are you implementing currently? 

It’s not necessarily innovation, but one of my goals as a Spanish teacher is to make my students feel proud of their unique heritage and family background. This is important to me as I believe every student should feel welcomed no matter where he or she goes.  

What is the desired outcome(s) of this innovation(s)?

I want every one of my students to know that despite his or her background, no matter what language they speak or how they look, they should always feel special and have the opportunity to academically grow and fulfill their dreams. 

What is your superpower?

If I had a superpower, I wish I could help all students under any circumstance and provide them a place to learn. 

What is your best piece of teacher advice?

My best piece of teacher advice to anyone is to continue to learn and accept the challenges to grow as a person and as a professional.  That is what I do and I want every student to know that education is power.  

If you could change one thing what would it be?

If I could change one thing, it would be to give every young child the best education possible. There should never be barriers to a child’s education.

 Karla Quevedo is currently a Spanish teacher at CICS Northtown Academy. She received a Bachelor’s in Spanish from Northeastern Illinois University.  Karla enjoys traveling and recently visited Cartagena, Colombia. She enjoys spending time with her family and pitbull named Kali.