SXU Alumna Earns National Board Certification
Saint Xavier University (SXU) alumna Vanessa Sliwinski '15, '17 has recently earned National Board Certification as an exceptional needs specialist (early childhood through young adult – mild/moderate disabilities). Only a little more than 5% of Illinois teachers achieve the certification, which demonstrates understanding of the philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of exceptional needs education.
"Earning National Board Certification was important to me because I wanted to continue to improve my career. After earning my master's degree and being evaluated, I noticed that reflection was a big part of my practice. National Board taught me how to reflect effectively and understand the 'why' behind my planning and actions," said Sliwinski.
Sliwinski studied communication sciences and disorders with a psychology minor for her undergraduate career at SXU and returned to earn a master's degree in multicategorical special education. She is currently a resource teacher at McClure Junior High School in Western Springs, where she has taught, co-taught, and supported a wide variety of classes from life skills to advanced math for all levels since 2018.
Part of her work has included overhauling the sixth-grade social studies and science curriculums and seventh-grade math, social studies and science curriculums to ensure all students have access. She has also coached the eighth-grade girls softball team for the past six years.
Sliwinski enjoys that each day at school is different. She works with different students who each bring a different challenge that they work together to solve. She also enjoys the stories middle schoolers bring to her classes and the openness they have to making mistakes and working on being the best people they can be.
"I hope to impact my students so they become well-rounded, kind adults. I not only want them to thrive academically, but as adults in the world we live in," said Sliwinski.
Sliwinski credits her time at SXU for preparing her to make an impact in the classroom.
"SXU fully prepared me for my career. I cannot thank the amazing Dr. Meg Carroll enough for her insight into the education world. Not only did I receive a great education knowing the laws and how a solid special education program runs, but the real-life and situational stories and advice helped me survive my first year," said Sliwinski.
While at SXU, Sliwinski also participated in the band. The memories she carries with her from her time at SXU include meeting people she is still friends with today, experiencing close connections with faculty and peers in the classroom, and meeting her husband, to whom she's been married for four years.