We proudly introduce Inner-City Teaching Corps. Each month, we will highlight the lives and experiences of a few corps members, giving you the chance to get to know who is a part of Inner-City Teaching Corps and where we come from. From each and every member of ICTC, we hope to have you join us next year!
INNER-CITY TEACHING CORPS TEACHERS:
Aryelle Berry (Class of 2012), a Chicago native, holds a dual degree in Legal Studies and African-American Studies from Northwestern University. With a passion for music, Aryelle has spent the last four years as a member of the Northwestern Community Ensemble, culminating in her leadership over the group as President in her senior year. Additionally, Aryelle furthered her leadership experience through her roles as Worship Leader for the Multi-Ethnic InterVarsity and as Current Events Chair for the Political Action Committee. Her passion for working with children and community involvement was strengthened by her position as Summer Reading Program Coordinator for the Vodak/East Side Library of the Chicago Public Library system. Aryelle brings her energy to the middle school Language Arts position at Visitation School.
Pat Bittorf (Class of 2011) hails from Sterling, IL and recently received a dual degree in Human Development and Theology from Boston College. His service experience reaches back throughout his college career, ranging from a service trip to Jamaica to working as a Committee Chair and Buddy for the Campus School Volunteers. Pat stepped up in many leadership roles, most recently as a Teaching Assistant for a freshman Courage to Know seminar as well as coordinating a CURA Faith Group. His talents are put to work teaching middle school Language Arts with a seventh grade homeroom at St. Malachy School.
Caroline Kondratenko (Class of 2012) enters the education field having served with AmeriCorps for more than two years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Saint Mary's College. Caroline is currently teaching third grade at CICS Prairie.
Joseph Miller (Class of 2012) earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts Photography from Columbia College in Illinois. Having worked as a practicing artist for several years Joseph transitioned into educational arts work with After School Matters, and for 4 years prior to joining Inner-City Teaching Corps, Joe served as an educational paraprofessional with CICS Bucktown campus. Joe is currently teaching Library and Technology at CICS Bucktown.
Saul Ramirez-Mondragon (Class of 2012), originally from Newark, CA, holds a Political Science degree from Santa Clara University. Saul was an active leader on campus through his work as a Community Facilitator. Off-campus, Saul stood out as a Volunteer Teaching Assistant in the Kindergarten Class of the Lucha School, as well as serving as Immigration Intern and ESL Tutor at the Center for Employment Training. Saul works hard every day with the Kindergarten students of St. Margaret of Scotland School.
Raquel Santiago (Class of 2012) holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California and enters the field of education with more than a decade of youth services experience. Prior to joining Inner-City Teaching Corps, she was the Resource Coordinator at the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council Community School. Raquel is also bilingual in Spanish. She is currently teaching third grade at James Shields Elementary School.
