At Christopher House, we believe the greatest pathway for change begins in the classroom with determined, culturally responsive educators who lead with their whole heart. Christopher House would not be Christopher House without the knowledgeable, loving, and highly trained 200+ teachers and staff that work each and every day to make our halls a place of safety, comfort, and growth for the children and families we serve.
“To every Christopher House teacher, staff, and faculty member, thank you for the work that you do each day. Christopher House has an important mission and ambitious goals surrounding scholar achievement and opportunities for them and their families’ futures. It is your daily work and investments that make it all possible,” CEO Libby Shortenhaus says.
It was our true joy to celebrate our talented teachers and staff during May’s Teacher’s Appreciation Week and recognize the sincere care that they so happily and warmly provide to over 1,500 children and families in the Uptown, Logan Square, and Belmont Cragin Neighborhoods. Throughout the weeklong festivities, teachers and staff participated in many onsite celebrations – walking a red carpet, making gorgeous bouquets, eating tasty treats, and receiving free relaxing massages – which were followed by an all-staff lunch and an “implicit bias and identity” training lead by Brian Corley from Single Story.
At Christopher House, we prioritize hiring and retaining educators and staff who reflect and can share in the lived experiences of the communities we serve to support our scholars’ healthy cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. It is their service, coupled by the compassionate and holistic support that our Family Advocates provide to our scholars’ parents and caregivers, that we ensure the long-term safety, stability, and success of our families.
“Not a day goes by when I am not in awe of the heart, mind and soul that goes into the work you – our teachers and staff – do for and in our community,” Libby says. “Thank you for bringing your strengths, dedication, and passion to Christopher House.”
