Ever since she was 5 years old Kelly Sherman knew she wanted to become a teacher. The inspiration for this passion was her mother — a paraprofessional in the special education department at Sherman’s elementary school. There, Sherman often spent time with two students in her mom's program.

“They sparked my interest in education. I would work with them, play with them and would sit with them at least once a week during lunch; they’re amazing people,” said Sherman, who is graduating from DePaul University this spring with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

In high school, Sherman became involved with the organization Best Buddies. Starting her freshman year, she built everlasting relationships with many students with special needs through this global volunteer movement that nurtures one-to-one relationships, leadership and work opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The program is very close to Sherman’s heart. She has been an executive board member of the Best Buddies chapter at DePaul for four years and now is president of the program.

Best Buddies programs are available in many middle schools, high schools and colleges, but are not part of elementary schools — yet.

“My ideal situation would be to get a teaching job at an elementary school and implement the Best Buddies program at the school,” Sherman said. “I think it’d be really special to start the program at the elementary level.”

As an experienced babysitter, aunt of four, tutor and camp counselor, Sherman loves working with children. She is student teaching in a third grade classroom at the John C. Coonley School in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood where her love for teaching continues to grow.

“My DePaul supervisor observed me one day at John C. Coonley and said, ‘You really seem to enjoy yourself. I find you smiling a lot while you’re teaching. You seem so natural.’ That was the best compliment because that is exactly how I feel while teaching,” Sherman said.

As a teacher, Sherman wants to be remembered by her students as someone they could go to for anything. She hopes to enrich their academic knowledge as well as their individual personalities.

Sherman’s current student teaching experience has taught her that “out of any career, teachers make the most decisions a day.”

“I always wanted to teach first grade; my heart was set on first grade,” Sherman said. “Now that I am student teaching third grade I really enjoy interacting with that age group.”

DePaul instructor Frank L. Tavano, who has a doctorate in education, is a cherished teacher and advisor of Sherman.

Tavano taught Sherman’s first elementary course at DePaul and has been a mentor to her since sophomore year. “After taking his class I said ‘OK, this is the career for me,’” Sherman said.

She noted that Tavano is the most passionate, sincere and caring person she has ever met. Likewise, Tavano has admiration for her.

“Kelly treats everyone she meets and works with, with dignity and respect. She embraces the Vincentian identity and mission by giving back and helping others,” Tavano said. “Kelly is an outstanding teacher candidate and has a great deal of success in the field of education ahead of her.”

Written by Michele Seyfarth

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