Great things happen when you move in the direction of your dreams. For Elizabeth Nieto her dream of becoming a teacher was inspired in elementary school by a few of her elementary teachers, Mr. Larson, Mr. Osborne, and Mr. Durland. In December 2020 Elizabeth’s dream will come true as she will earn her K-8 teaching certification from Millikin University with an ESL endorsement. Elizabeth hopes to teach at the middle school level and is particularly passionate about math. Elizabeth has loved numbers from the time her grandfather(s) challenged her to learn her addition and multiplication facts, and helped her count by playing dominos. Elizabeth’s path to becoming a teacher has not been easy, but it has been a meaningful journey. As a 7th grader Elizabeth moved from Los Angeles, California to Villa Grove, IL with her family when her father chose to take a new position with a new company. The transition of moving from a city of over 3 million people to a city of fewer than 3,000 people was quite a change, and at times very difficult. “I’ll never forget being the only girl in school that dressed different (in California skateboarding attire), spoke different, and sounded different.”

“I want students to know… hard work pays off no matter how many hardships, and NO’s we get in life, everyone can do it!”

“I would never raise my hand to answer a question because I was made fun of due to my heavy Spanish accent, though I knew every answer to the questions the teacher asked.” Elizabeth’s difficult middle school experience was the catalyst for her passion to help middle school students find their voice, navigate the rough terrain of adolescence, and excel academically. Elizabeth’s lessons on adapting in uncharted territory (without losing determination and drive), is something she plans to instill in her students. “I want students to know… hard work pays off no matter how many hardships and NO’s we get in life, everyone can do it!” Elizabeth is proving she can do it! Currently a full-time ELL teaching assistant at Urbana Middle School, a full-time mom, and full-time student (in an accelerated program). Elizabeth is blazing a path of excellence in Urbana School District 116 that started in 2015. 

That path for Elizabeth was not without scary initial steps. Elizabeth recalls interviewing for a kindergarten bilingual teaching assistant position at Dr. Williams Elementary (formerly Prairie Elementary). “It was the first interview I’ve ever had where I was so nervous.” She was pleasantly surprised to learn about the dual language programs in USD116, “I had no idea such programs existed.” Elizabeth was chosen for the teaching assistant position and it only took a view days in the classroom before Elizabeth knew “I was meant to do this! (teach)” Elizabeth met Dr. Joseph Wiemelt (Director of Bilingual Education at the time) who not only encouraged her to pursue her degree through Millikin University, but helped her with a plan and stayed connected to her even after she had to briefly move away for a year to care for family. When Elizabeth returned to USD116 in 2017 she stayed the course to become a teacher, and is nearing the finish line in grand style. Elizabeth made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester. She is so thankful for all of the encouragement she has received from her district family. Elizabeth calls Ms. Ciuro-Sanchez a mentor, and also credits Ms. Moreno, Ms. Rivera, Mrs. Reber, Mrs. Hurliman, and Dr. Wiemelt for being a great source of support. Elizabeth is also grateful for her mom, dad, and boyfriend have been there to keep things moving forward. 

We are excited to see the impact Ms. Nieto will continue to have on the lives of USD116 students. She is an inspiration to many for several reasons and someone we thought you should know.