In this special retiree episode, Cori and Steph sit down with Vicki Billimack, an English teacher who has spent her career helping students fall in love with stories, writing, and the learning process.

Vicki reflects on her journey into teaching, from starting as a technical writer to finding her place in the classroom, and the moments that made it all worth it. She shares how her passion for storytelling shaped her teaching, whether she was bringing The Odyssey to life, guiding students through Romeo and Juliet, or sitting beside a student during a writing conference and helping them find their voice.

Throughout the conversation, Vicki emphasizes the importance of giving students time, space, and ownership in their learning. Her work with blended learning opened new opportunities for deeper feedback and more meaningful one-on-one conversations, something she sees as essential to growth in writing.

As she looks ahead to retirement, Vicki leaves behind a legacy grounded in curiosity, creativity, and connection,

In this special episode, Cori and Steph sit down with Sharon Anderson, a Cary-Grove alum and longtime English teacher, as she reflects on her career ahead of retirement. Sharon shares stories from her journey - from being a student in the building to spending decades shaping the lives of others in the very same halls.

Throughout the conversation, Sharon returns to one constant: relationships matter most. She speaks candidly about the moments that defined her career, including navigating tragedy, supporting students through loss, and learning how to care for both others and herself along the way.

Sharon also reflects on the evolving landscape of education, including how to balance the benefits of technology with the importance of deep thinking, authentic communication, and the learning process itself. Her message is a powerful reminder that teaching is not about quick answers or finished products, but about growth, persistence, and connection.

As she looks ahead to retirement, Sharon leaves behind a legacy rooted in empathy, resilience, and the quiet, lasting impact teachers have on their students—often long after they leave the classroom.

In this episode, Cori and Steph sit down with Curt Wadlington, a social science teacher at Prairie Ridge who brings history to life through storytelling, curiosity, and real-world connections. Curt shares his journey into education, including the influence of a former teacher at Crystal Lake South who helped shape his approach to teaching and learning.

Curt’s classroom is built on a Socratic, discussion-based model, where students explore big questions and apply their learning to real-world issues. Whether examining mental health, cell phone use, or other relevant topics, students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

One of the most unique aspects of Curt’s approach is his willingness to bring real voices into the conversation, even inviting superintendents and district leaders into his classroom to listen, respond, and engage with student thinking.

At its core, Curt’s work is about helping students see that history isn’t just something to memorize. It’s something to question, interpret, and connect to the world they’re living in right now.