Some teachers don’t just teach lessons; they create a safe place. The kind of classroom where kids feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to be exactly who they are. This week’s 97ZOK Teacher of the Week is one of those rare educators whose positivity is felt the moment you walk through the door. Even on hard days, she shows up with joy, warmth, and an unmistakable love for her students, and the impact she’s already made in Rockford is impossible to miss.
97ZOK Teacher of the Week
Congratulations to Trisha Scott from Hillman Elementary in Rockford, Illinois.
Kaitlyn Speers nominated Trisha, she writes,
Ms. Scott came to Hillman last year and has already made a lasting impact on our first graders. She is a safe space for everyone who always makes everyone feel welcome. She radiates joy and acceptance, and it is very clear that she loves her kids. You can spot her always wearing fun shirts, but one of my favorites is her shirt that says “Everyone is figuroutable.”
Ms. Scott works tirelessly to make learning fun and engaging. She has recently fell on some hard times in her life, and still shows up with a smile ready to greet her students and be there for them. On top of all this, she is also working on her 2nd Master’s Degree in education! She is a true gem and Hillman is beyond lucky to have her.
As Teacher of the Week, Trisha was surprised with a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, money to spend at WM Day Spa Salon, and lunch courtesy of Redd Insurance Group.
We discovered another beautiful thing happening in Trisha’s classroom during our conversation, which you can hear below…