A Teacher’s Shoes

Celebrating the Heart and Soul of Education

“A Teacher’s Shoes” is a compelling short documentary that offers a powerful look at a single day in the life of three NIU College of Education alumni teachers.

This film follows their journey from home to the classroom, highlighting their dedication and the profound impact they make. Walk alongside these passionate educators as they navigate challenges, spark curiosity and leave lasting imprints on their students.

Whether you’re an aspiring teacher, a proud Huskie or simply someone who believes in the power of education, this docu-film will move you, inspire you and remind you why great teachers matter.

The locally produced film, created by the NIU College of Education’s Morgridge Endowed Chair Office in partnership with the NIU Foundation, spends a day with Huskie alumnae Grace DeSmedt, Ashley Manor and Dominique Yackley.

Grace DeSmedt
B.S.Ed. Physical Education ‘23
“I think teaching is the best job in the world, because you never know what you're going to get. It's different every single day. To see the students smiling and greeting you in the hallways, even your past students, your current students, and then hearing how much of an impact you made on their lives.”

Ashley Manor
B.S.Ed. Special Education ‘20
“I'm teaching because I care. I'm asking them questions because I care. I think my philosophy is to take care of the person, not the student, so much. You know, obviousl,y their academics are important, but academics are not going to be more important than their well-being.”

Dominique Yackley
M.S.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction ‘22
B.S.Ed. Elementary Education ‘13
“I know that teaching is the best job in the world, because there's no other job that could exist without a teacher. I make sure that all my students are heard and seen. I want to know that they're valued. And that being different and unique is really a gift.”

What Teaching Means to Me

We asked our NIU alumni educators to share what teaching means to them—words that capture the heart, purpose and joy of the profession. We hope their perspectives inspire others and promote the power of teaching.

Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her. I hope to impact every student I teach and I hope they know how much I believe in them.

Valerie Freeman, B.S.Ed. Special Education, '16, M.S.Ed. Literacy Education, '21.

One thing I always tell my students is, ‘You don't have to be best friends with math, but we can at least say hi to it in the hallway.' Teaching, for me, is all about connection. I love building genuine relationships with my students that go beyond the classroom. When they know I care about who they are, not just what they know, it creates a space where real learning and growth can happen.

Valerie Freeman, B.S.Ed. Special Education, '16, M.S.Ed. Literacy Education, '21.

Teaching is the only job I've had that on a regular basis produces goosebumps. Every day brings something new and challenging. To have the opportunity to help shape the next generation and to help them build big shoulders to carry our future democracy is a gift. The power to be able to shape this next generation should never be taken for granted.

Brent McIntosh, B.S.Ed. Elementary Education, '96, M.S.Ed. Literacy Education,'22.

My previous teachers have left a huge impact in my life that I could never thank them enough for. I just want to be what they were to me, for my students.

Giovanni Esparza, B.S.Ed. Physical Education,'24.

Teaching can be tough, and so are our kids. As P.E. teachers, we embrace the grind, knowing that in every sprint, every team drill and every lesson on resilience, we're forging the next generation of ‘Big Shoulder.' It is hard work, but the reward is watching our students stand up stronger than they sat down.

Marc Verest, B.S.Ed. Physical Education,'11.

NIU's College of Education prepared me exceptionally well for a lifelong career in teaching. Twenty-eight years later, I'm still proud to be in education, shaping young learners and now teaching future educators how to support English Language Learners. The foundation NIU gave me continues to make a difference every single day!

Jennifer Sedlak Parde, B.S.Ed. Elementary Education, '98.

Teaching is about creating relationships with students and seeing them grow over time.

Gary Simonian, B.S.Ed. Physical Education, '97.

For me, teaching is about believing in my students even before they believe in themselves.

Sophia Apostol-Groth, B.S.Ed. Special Education, '22.

When your students realize the impossible is possible, you've awakened one's confidence to succeed.

Ezra PridGeon Jr., B.S.Ed. Physical Education,'78.

Morgridge Endowed Chair Office

Contact Us

Morgridge Chair Office
Gabel Hall 155B
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
meco@niu.edu