Lewis Elementary School Teacher Liz Vivion leads a challenging life as a Chicago Public School teacher balancing the needs of a diverse, erratic classroom and a one-year-old son.
After finishing her masters in education at National Louis University and teaching at schools in Illinois and Wisconsin, Vivion has finally settled in Oak Park as a Lewis Lion.
Things aren't always smooth in the classroom for Vivion. Not only does NWEA standardized testing obstruct the teaching cycle, taking a week of instructional time away each semester, but reading and writing comprehension levels are all over the board. "It's almost like teaching in a one room schoolhouse," Vivion said of her sixth grade classroom. "There are mentally disabled kids, able-bodied kids, and kids repeating sixth grade for the fourth time in one room."
This scattered, challenging class environment translates to a very precise dynamic between Vivion and her students.
Vivion has to reconcile attempts to connect with her varied student body in fun and creative ways with the need to guide their often unruly behavior with a firm hand.
Laughs and smiles make appearances throughout Vivion's lectures, but frequently she is forced to follow them with scolding. "They're good kids," she says, "But they just don't care."
Throughout her lessons, Vivion remains positive and takes time to work with each individual student, but moments of peace are scarce. Students enquired Friday about Vivion's previous classroom environments, and all of her comments broke down to, "They talked less."
Following the end of the schoolday, Vivion's students showed their support and chased her car down Laramie avenue, yelling "See you tomorrow!" After a day of mixed emotions, that is, Vivion's students managed to end the day on a positive note.
After stopping for espresso on Armitage Ave., Vivion swings by an unassuming home in Oak Park to pick up her son, James, from day care. "He's a sensitive guy," Vivion says as he begins to cry at the sight of a camera.
At home, Vivion prepares veggie burgers and sweet potatoes for herself and James. She cozies up to the table, content after a day of maitaining the peace in an attention war zone.