Breana Calloway

How did you decide to go into the education field? 

My journey into the education field was prompted the day my late father passed away when I was 11 years old. My father was a public school teacher, so he taught me the importance of education at an early age. Therefore, to honor my father's legacy and my own personal passion for education, I became a teacher in 2017.

How has school funding made a difference in your classroom? 

A major funding inequity that is currently impacting my students is the lack of essential school personnel such as full-time counselors, nurses, librarians, and special education teachers. Budget cuts within many schools that serve students of color continue to keep these essential workers out of schools that need their services the most. 

What resources and supports can further benefit your classroom/school/community? 

Access to a fully functioning library and having a full-time librarian would be most beneficial for my school community. Since early childhood literacy plays a pivotal role in shaping a students' future academic success, it is essential that they have access to books and other forms of digital media literacy. Early childhood provides the foundation for all future learning, so we must invest in our students today. 

Who/What inspires you? Why? 

The students that I serve everyday. My greatest honor is having the opportunity to teach black children on the south side of Chicago; they have taught me how to reimagine what is possible within our schools. 

What accomplishment fills you with pride so far this year? 

Being an advocate for the Racism Free Schools Act, which was passed into law in August of 2023. Recently, I was invited by the Illinois Department of Human Rights to be a part of their advisory work group to oversee the implementation of this bill. 

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share? 

Your voice is the most valuable asset you possess that you can utilize to create change in your school, community, and beyond. 

What is your favorite movie/book? 

“We Want to Do More Than Survive” by Bettina Love (Education)  
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz (Personal)