Full Circle: From District 47 Student to Student Teacher at North Elementary

North Elementary is proud to welcome Jessica Korn, a student teacher from Iowa State University, to Summer Margiotta’s first grade classroom this fall. For Jessica, returning to District 47 is a full-circle moment. She began her own education at Woods Creek Elementary and Bernotas Middle School and is now giving back to the same community where her love of learning first began.

As a student, Jessica thrived on opportunities beyond the classroom, including the annual Feet Meet and NJHS. She recalls that her District 47 teachers, particularly Mrs. Barrett and Mrs. Wiley, emphasized the importance of building relationships and creating a classroom environment where students felt valued. Those experiences left a lasting impression and influenced her decision to pursue a career in education, inspiring her to provide the same supportive environment for her own students.

Her path to education came into focus after high school while working as a camp counselor for the Crystal Lake Park District. That experience inspired her to switch her college major to elementary education. At Iowa State, she is studying Elementary Education with endorsements in Math and Reading and a minor in Learning Technologies.

Jessica has found her time at North to be both meaningful and inspiring. She describes her mentor, Mrs. Margiotta, as welcoming, supportive, and deeply passionate about her students’ learning. She also finds it surreal to work alongside her former teacher, now North’s principal, Mrs. Barrett, and sees it as inspiring to witness her leadership firsthand.

For Jessica, one of the most rewarding aspects of student teaching has been watching her students grow together. “This class is such a thoughtful group, and I love seeing them cheer on their classmates each day,” Jessica noted.

Above all, Jessica hopes her students carry with them the joy of learning. “When my time as a student teacher ends, I want my students to remember that learning goes beyond the classroom walls,” she said. “We learn from each other every day through curiosity, collaboration, and kindness. Most of all, I hope they carry with them the joy of learning and the confidence to keep exploring new ideas.”

Looking ahead, Jessica will complete her student teaching abroad in Norway before graduating in December. She hopes to begin her career teaching in an elementary school where she can combine her passions for reading, math, and technology