East teacher named Illinois’ 2023 Outstanding Early Career Educator

Glenbard East social studies teacher Gariecia Rose has been named Illinois’ 2023 Outstanding Early Career Educator by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Rose said, “There are not enough words to describe just how humbled and honored I am to be chosen as the Outstanding Early Career Educator of the year for Illinois.

When I graduated high school, I had no idea that teaching would become my path. It wasn’t until I reflected on how extraordinarily transformative having three specific teachers my senior year of high school was that I realized the awesome power that teachers have to be affirming forces in a student’s life. Being in those three classrooms made me feel seen, heard, valued and cared for, and I vowed to do my best to create that healing, brave space for my own students one day. Having had students share that they leave my class both feeling and knowing that they have someone in their corner they can rely on makes every effort I make worth it.

I am so thankful for everyone that has been on this journey with me. My students are my guiding light for all that I do, and I hope to continue honoring their lived experiences, their aspirations and their faith in me as their teacher for the rest of my journey as an educator.”

Superintendent David Larson said, “Ms. Rose inspires students to believe in themselves and empowers them to pursue their goals. She embodies the characteristics in our Profile of an Educator:  advocates, empathizes, adapts and learns, embraces diversity, innovates and collaborates. We are fortunate to have such a talented, caring and dedicated educator working with our students.”

Glenbard East Principal Antoine Anderson said, “Gariecia is a valuable member of our school community and has been so since she joined us two years ago.  We are fortunate to have such an inspiring and motivated educator as part of our teaching staff.  She exemplifies what it means to be a Glenbard educator and is very deserving of this recognition.”

Jason Jaffe, Glenbard East social studies department chair, said, “It is no surprise that Gariecia is being honored with this award meant to recognize the best in education, the best of teachers. Our students at Glenbard East and the greater Glenbard District 87 community are incredibly fortunate that Gariecia has joined our family. This recognition highlights Gariecia’s remarkable talents for making our students truly believe they belong, for igniting our students’ curiosities, cultivating their interests, elevating their talents and inspiring students and staff alike to lift each other up and bring out the best in one another.”

ISBE’s annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards celebrate incredible classroom teachers, administrators, teams, volunteers, and school support personnel who have made lasting impacts on the students, families, and fellow educators in their school communities. Read more about Rose and the entire cohort of 2023 Teachers of the Year on ISBE’s program page.

The Illinois state superintendent of education will select the 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year from the finalists later this spring.