REDBIRD EDUCATORS
FLYING HIGH
By Olivia Schickel
Bella Chlada
Bella Chlada is a senior special education-learning and behavior specialist student with minors in psychology and children’s studies, with a passion for advocating for special education students and educators. Her steadfast commitment to bettering the field as a student has earned her several leadership positions. Chlada is a campaign coach with the National Education Association (NEA), the chairperson-elect for the Illinois Education Association (IEA) Aspiring Educators, and the political action coordinator for Aspiring Educators at Illinois State. She is also a student ambassador with the Department of Special Education.
Chlada, alongside her fellow IEA Aspiring Educators, organized Paid Student Teaching Week, a statewide, coordinated campaign to design and distribute a training series surrounding legislative advocacy for future educators. Throughout the week, Chlada and her fellow leaders led information sessions and developed action plans for advocating across various institutions to provide financial support for student teachers. Chlada brought her initiatives to the state capitol during Redbird Educator Advocacy Day, speaking directly with legislators to keep her campaign moving forward. Whether through mentorship, research, or advocacy, her goal is always to “uplift aspiring educators and ensure a more equitable and sustainable profession for all.” She has presented at many conferences, sharing research findings on culturally responsive teaching and legislative advocacy, and engaging in discussions with educators and policymakers to promote equitable practices in education.
Vania Chavez-Medina is a senior bilingual/bicultural elementary education major with a Spanish minor, and is a steadfast leader for emerging educators. A first-generation college student, she sought a community where she could find representation and shared culture on campus, which brought her to join the Association of Latinx American Students (ALAS). Now president of ALAS, after serving on the executive board for two years, she works to support the valuable work of Latinx students across campus. In her role, she was invited to speak at the fall 2024 Latino and Sustainability Cultural Dinner, hosted by University Housing and Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality. She is also a member of the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society, and is the secretary of the Student Association of Bilingual Education (SABE), helping to provide resources, support, and professional development to future bilingual educators like herself.
Chavez-Medina prides herself on her academic excellence and support of her peers throughout their time in the College of Education. In the fall, she will begin the Professional Development Schools (PDS) program, with a year-long clinical and student teaching placement. Her academic excellence and leadership of her peers have made her an effective and supportive future teacher who will inspire students to seek out similar achievements.
Vania Chavez-Medina
“The College of Education has so many great student leaders who are making a difference for future teachers and education,” said Kelli Appel, director of recruitment, retention, and student success. “We are proud of Bella and Vania as they are following their passions and creating their own legacies in education. They are both wonderful role models for all of our new Redbird Educators.”