Jill O’Donnell will be retiring from the Math Department of Glenbard North at the end of the school year. The North Current sat down with her to ask her to reflect on her career as a teacher here.
North Current: What is one of your favorite memories here at Glenbard North?
Jill O’Donnell: Dealing with students like [my former student] Josh M. that I had many years ago. We’re friends now, but I had to kick him out of class probably two or three times a week and he would stand – he was really tall – and he used to do pull ups (above the empty space on the door) when he was kicked out of the hallway.
NC: If someone were aiming to become a teacher here, what would you tell them to prepare for?
JO: Just find a way to stay motivated and never settle, and let your work be good enough… You always have to adapt to your students and your classes.
NC: What inspired you to become a teacher?
JO: I always felt that I wanted to become a teacher when I was young.
NC: What are good things about being a teacher here?
JO: I love the staff here, and I really think that our student body is exceptional in terms of their acceptance of each other. I think that’s unique.