West Cook Division Meeting 09/30/2025

Deadline to Register: September 19

Event Details:

5:30 p.m. - Both Optional

• IASB Proposed Constitution Change Discussion
• Networking

6:00 p.m. -Business Meeting and Dinner

• Reports to the Division
• Teacher of the Year Victor Gomez and "La Mariposa Monarca"

Cost: $42

The West Cook Division proudly welcomes 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Victor Gomez from Leyden CHSD 212. Gomez will share his journey toward becoming a bilingual science educator, using "la mariposa monarca" as a powerful metaphor for the migration journeys and stories of his parents and students, which inspired him in his pedagogy and practice. He focuses on how his bilingual experiences and those of his parents and his students have shaped his vocation to create culturally relevant science curricula that validate and empower multilingual learners to see themselves as STEM professionals. From launching bilingual STEM programs to mentoring future Latino educators and creating opportunities for bilingual students to gain university experiences, this shared journey highlights the urgent need to center language, culture, and identity in education. Like the monarchs that migrate, our stories chart paths of opportunity, perseverance, and flight to reach our dreams.