How One Rockford Teacher Is Helping Students Find Their Voice Through Art

Sometimes, the most impactful teachers aren't the ones you hear about every day — they're the ones quietly changing lives inside their classroom.

Walk into this Rockford classroom, and you'll see more than just students working on art projects.  You'll see confidence growing, creativity flowing, and kids discovering parts of themselves they didn't even know were there.  For some, it's the first time they feel truly seen.  For others, it's where they finally find their voice.  The power of being an art teacher!

97ZOK TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Read More: Machesney Park Teacher Proving Great Educators Change Lives 

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Congratulations, Miriam Pope from Conklin Academy in Rockford!

Martha Carlson wrote this sweet letter about Mrs. Pope!

"Mrs. Pope is the art teacher at Conklin Academy. Whenever you walk into the art room at Conklin Academy you can see kids busy at work making their visions come to life. Mrs. Pope offers a safe space, is a major advocate for all and fosters a sense of creativity in all of the students that walk through her door. She is always coming up with new and fun ways to introduce our students to all areas of art. She gives them such freedom to express themselves and implements the core concepts of our schools new curriculum. Mrs. Pope has made such a huge impact on both of my students who are on opposite ends of the art spectrum, my son has grown to enjoy art and my daughter saves every plastic bottle and cardboard box to make art just like Mrs. Pope teaches at school. Specials teachers are some of the only people that get to know every student in a school and we have the cream of the crop at our school. Mrs. Pope prides herself in making sure that everything she does for our students is perfect. She also puts on one heck of an art exhibition every year to showcase just how amazing our students are and for that we are so thankful."

 

Related: Rockford Celebrates a Teacher Whose Impact Lasts a Lifetime

As Teacher of the Week, Mrs. Pope was surprised with a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, money to spend at WM Day Spa Salon, and lunch courtesy of Redd Insurance Group.

Hear the full interview below with Mrs. Pope with 97ZOK.

TOTW - MIRIAM POPE FROM CONKLIN ACADEMY