Spotlight: Comfort Agboola (IL '23)

Illinois Milken Educator Comfort Agboola is a reading, English language arts and math teacher for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. She has a passion for student development, writing, and storytelling. Agboola gives students a plethora of opportunities to learn creatively, from having a specified publishing area in her classroom with typewriters, to hosting open mics for students to share their stories. Agboola also teaches financial literacy using a classroom economy system, where students earn and manage their own tokens by doing classroom jobs, filing taxes, and balancing checkbooks.. Agboola received a 2023-24 Illinois Milken Educator Award in Chicago on February 2, 2024.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise?

Students have been incredibly excited about my Milken Educator Award. Even those I haven't taught yet are curious and often ask me about it. One second grader particularly stands out in my memory. Every single day, without fail, this student asks me if I've received my check. It's heartwarming to see such genuine enthusiasm and interest from the kids. Their excitement reminds me of the impact teachers can have on their students, and it reinforces why I love being an educator. The award has not only been an honor for me but has also sparked a wave of curiosity and excitement among the students, creating a wonderful and supportive atmosphere in our school community.

MFF: Who are your role models as an educator? Is there an experience you had in the classroom as a student that shaped your practices or motivation to teach?

My primary role model is my mother, Leonia Agboola. She is a retired high school teacher with over 30 years of experience. Throughout her career, I had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering dedication and the profound influence she had on her students. Her commitment to education and ability to connect with her students left a lasting impression on me, shaping my own approach to teaching and passion for making a difference in the lives of young people.

Growing up, I saw firsthand the countless hours my mother devoted to her work. She would spend evenings grading papers, weekends planning lessons, and summers attending workshops to further her education. Her classroom was always a place of warmth and encouragement, where students felt safe expressing themselves and taking risks in their learning. My mother had a unique talent for recognizing each student's potential and nurturing their strengths, fostering an environment where every student felt valued and supported.

Her influence extended beyond academics. She was deeply involved in the school community, organizing events, mentoring new teachers, and building strong relationships with parents. I remember how former students would often come back to visit her, sharing their successes and expressing gratitude for the impact she had on their lives. These moments highlight the long-lasting effect a dedicated teacher can have on their students.

My mother’s dedication to her profession was more than just a job — it was a calling. She believed in the power of education to transform lives and instilled in me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and lifelong learning. Her passion was contagious and it inspired me to pursue a career in education, with the hope of making a similar impact on my own students.

As I embarked on my journey as a teacher, I carried with me the lessons I learned from my mother. Her example taught me to approach each day with enthusiasm and to view challenges as opportunities for growth. I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel inspired, supported, and empowered — just as she did.

My mother remains a constant source of inspiration and guidance in my life. Her remarkable career and the legacy she built through her dedication to teaching continue to motivate me to be the best educator I can be. She showed me that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but about shaping lives and fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Another significant role model in my life is my third grade teacher, Mrs. Lorna Wilkins. She played a pivotal role in my development by inspiring and motivating me to share my writing. Mrs. Wilkins recognized my potential and encouraged me to express myself through my words, fostering a love for writing that has stayed with me ever since. Her belief in my abilities and her nurturing guidance were instrumental in building my confidence and helping me realize the power of my voice.

One particularly memorable experience with Mrs. Wilkins was when she encouraged me to enter a writing competition. At the time, I was incredibly shy and struggled with public speaking, so the thought of sharing my work publicly was daunting. However, Mrs. Wilkins saw beyond my shyness and believed in my talent. She provided me with the support and encouragement I needed to take that leap.

With her guidance, I entered the competition and, to my surprise, did quite well. That experience was transformative for me. It not only boosted my confidence but also taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges. Mrs. Wilkins' encouragement showed me that I had something valuable to share with the world, and it ignited a passion for writing that has continued to grow over the years.

Her impact on my life extends far beyond the classroom. Mrs. Wilkins taught me the power of a supportive mentor and the profound difference that belief and encouragement can make in a young person's life. Her influence is a constant reminder of why I chose to become an educator myself—to inspire, motivate, and empower my students, just as she did for me.

Both my mother and Mrs. Wilkins have had a profound impact on my life and career. Their examples of dedication, encouragement, and passion for education continue to inspire me every day. They have shown me the importance of believing in oneself and the transformative power of a supportive mentor. Through their influence, I strive to be a positive and motivating force for my own students, just as they were for me.

MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. What memories stand out? Who or what helped you through it?

My first year of teaching was an incredible and transformative experience. I learned a great deal about students, parents, my colleagues, and what it truly means to be a teacher, especially in a small school with a high-need population.

One of the most vivid memories from that year was meeting my very first class. The students were full of energy and curiosity, and their enthusiasm was both infectious and inspiring. Despite the challenges many of them faced outside of school, they brought a sense of hope and determination to the classroom every day. I quickly realized that teaching was not just about delivering lessons but also about being a mentor, a confidant, and a source of stability in their lives.

Building relationships with the students' parents was another significant aspect of my first year. I remember organizing my first parent-teacher conference and feeling nervous about meeting the parents. However, I found that most parents were incredibly supportive and eager to support their children's education. Their insights and involvement were invaluable in understanding each student's unique needs and challenges.

My colleagues were also a tremendous source of support and guidance. I was fortunate to have a mentor teacher, Mr. Blazer, who took me under his wing. He provided me with practical advice, shared his classroom management strategies, and helped me navigate the complexities of the curriculum. His encouragement and wisdom were crucial in helping me build my confidence as a new teacher.

My principal Mrs. Huzenis also played a crucial role in my first year. Her continued support and open-door policy made a significant difference. Mrs.

Huzenis was always available to offer advice, listen to my concerns, and provide the resources I needed to succeed. Her leadership created a nurturing and collaborative environment that empowered teachers to thrive.

One moment that stands out was when I successfully organized a class project that involved creating a community garden. This project not only engaged the students in hands-on learning but also brought together parents, teachers, and community members. Seeing the students' pride in their work and the positive impact it had on the school community was incredibly rewarding.

Throughout that first year, I also faced my share of challenges. Managing a classroom with diverse needs required patience and adaptability. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, but I learned to celebrate small victories and to seek advice and support from my colleagues. The camaraderie among the staff and the shared commitment to our students' success made even the toughest days manageable.

Reflecting on that first year, I realize how much I grew both personally and professionally. It was a year of learning, not just for my students, but for me as well. I discovered the importance of empathy, flexibility, and perseverance. Most importantly, I learned that teaching is about more than imparting knowledge; it's about making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people.

The experiences and lessons from my first year of teaching have continued to shape my approach to education. They remind me of the resilience and potential within every student and the vital role that teachers play in nurturing and guiding that potential.

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?

I hope that students remember my humble love and dedication to their growth and well-being. Beyond the lessons and assignments, I want them to recall how much I cared about their success, both academically and personally. I hope they remember the times I encouraged them, supported them through challenges, and celebrated their achievements, no matter how small.

I want them to remember the safe and inclusive environment I strived to create in our classroom, where they felt respected, valued, and free to express themselves. I hope they recall the times we laughed together, the discussions we had, and the lessons that inspired them to think critically and creatively.

Ultimately, I hope that my students remember me as a teacher who was genuinely passionate about their learning and who sincerely believed in their abilities. I want them to carry forward the lessons they learned from me, not just in terms of academics, but also in empathy, kindness, and perseverance.

MFF: You emphasize the importance of storytelling and provide opportunities for students to explore personal narratives. How does this approach empower students and foster a love of writing and self-expression? Do you have any favorite projects or units that you look forward to every year?

Emphasizing storytelling and providing opportunities for students to explore personal narratives is a great way to empower students and foster a love of writing and self-expression. This approach allows students to connect deeply with their own experiences, emotions, and perspectives, which in turn encourages them to find their unique voice as writers.

When students engage in personal narrative writing, they often become more invested in their work because they are sharing something meaningful to them. This can lead to increased motivation and confidence in their writing abilities. By providing a platform for students to share their stories, such as through open mics or other supportive environments, they receive positive feedback and validation for their efforts. This positive reinforcement is crucial in building their self-esteem as writers and encourages them to continue exploring and refining their craft.

Open mics are a favorite of mine because they create a safe and inclusive space for students to share their unfinished or “messy” written pieces. This setting allows students to see writing as a process rather than a finished product, and it encourages them to take risks and experiment with their writing. The supportive feedback they receive from peers and teachers during these sessions reinforces their efforts and helps them grow as writers.

One of my favorite projects each year is a personal narrative unit where students explore significant moments or events in their lives through writing. I look forward to seeing students dig deep into their memories and emotions, and to witnessing the growth in their ability to craft compelling narratives. This unit not only strengthens their writing skills but also helps them develop empathy and a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

Another favorite is a project where students create digital storytelling projects, combining their writing with multimedia elements like images, music, and video clips. This project allows students to use technology as a tool for creative expression and gives them another medium through which to share their stories.

Overall, these projects and units are designed to foster a love of writing and self-expression by giving students the opportunity to explore their own stories and experiences in a supportive and encouraging environment. By focusing on storytelling and personal narratives, I aim to empower students to find their voice, share their perspectives, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the power of words.

MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?

Before embarking on a career in teaching, it's crucial to reflect on your reasons for wanting to become an educator. Take the time to explore what experiences or passions are driving you towards this path. Understanding your motivations will not only help you clarify your goals but also guide you through the inevitable challenges of teaching.

For instance, during high school, I had the invaluable opportunity to work at a preschool within my school. This experience allowed me to engage directly with young children, develop lesson plans, and witness firsthand the impact of early education on their development. It was incredibly fulfilling to see how my interactions and teaching efforts positively influenced their learning and growth. That early exposure to teaching sparked a deep interest in education and working with young people that continued to grow throughout my academic career.

In college, I furthered my passion for education by becoming a tutor and teacher’s assistant. Working with students one-on-one or in small groups gave me insights into their individual learning styles, strengths, and challenges. It was rewarding to see the progress students made and to play a role in their academic success. These experiences solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in teaching and provided me with practical skills and knowledge that I continue to draw upon in my professional life.

Getting involved with opportunities to work with children and young adults can provide invaluable insights into the profession and help you determine if teaching is the right fit for you. Whether through volunteering, tutoring, or formal teaching assistant positions, each experience will contribute to your understanding of the joys and challenges of teaching. It's these experiences that will shape your approach to education and deepen your commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of students.

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school?

Currently, I'm excited to share my latest project, the Middle School Writing Curriculum: A Curriculum Built on A Love of Literacy. I developed this comprehensive program to inspire middle school students to explore their writing abilities and ignite a passion for storytelling.

The Middle School Writing Curriculum covers foundational writing principles and introduces students to various genres through structured lessons and practice exercises. While originally designed for sixth to eighth graders, the curriculum can benefit students of all levels. Through interactive activities and note booking, the curriculum focuses on developing skills and building confidence in young writers. My goal is to create a dependable resource for students, teachers, and schools committed to fostering literary excellence. At Lit and Love, my company, I believe in promoting a culture of storytelling in the classroom. This approach not only cultivates strong writers, but also empowers individuals to connect with others through the universal language of storytelling. My curriculum is designed to honor the tradition of storytelling while embracing the possibilities of the digital age.

Watch our interview with Comfort Agboola (IL '23) on the day of her Milken Award notification: