Mrs. Stacey Spears, our inspiring educator, mentor, colleague, and friend is celebrating 30 years of teaching across several schools and theatre programs! This site has been established for anyone who has had the honor of crossing paths with Mrs. Spears over the years to share memories, stories, and messages of congratulations and appreciation. Please feel free to share this site with anyone who would appreciate the opportunity to send a message to Mrs. Spears! Simply comment below to send your message (and tell us who you are in your message)! If you would like to send a video or audio message, please include a link to it in your Google Folder (or something similar).
Hi Mrs. Spears! This is Erin Rush (FKA Maturo)! I was in CITA summer camp from 2001-2004. I first played a tree in Into the Woods, which is still my favorite musical to this day - I even have a tattoo for it! The following summer, you cast me as Mary in the Secret Garden. I remember you telling me that I worked really hard as a tree with no lines the previous year and that you knew I could handle the lead role. I went home to my mom and cried that day, telling her I didn't think I could do it. You really pushed me out of my comfort zone that summer and helped me face my fears to prove to myself my own capabilities! I want to thank you for providing a safe space for us kids to just be ourselves, work hard, and grow our love of the theater. I can't express how much those summers shaped who I am today, and you were such a big part of that. Congratulations on 30 years!!
ReplyDeleteMs. Stacey, it's Eric Heisig. I’m 37 now but I will still refer to you as that.
ReplyDeleteI participated in Caught in the Act with you from 1999 to 2002 (I hope I have that right), performing in "Fiddler on the Roof," "Into the Woods," "Once on This Island" and several others. Rehearsing and performing CITA shows are some of my favorite childhood memories, and you were a huge part of that. How we were able to block, memorize and perform a show within four weeks still amazes me. Your encouragement and instruction led me to do community theatre and other performances throughout my teens (you even roped me back in after I aged out to sing in the chorus for “The Secret Garden.”) It also gave me confidence in myself. For that I can’t thank you enough.
Congratulations on 30 years!
Stacey, congratulations on 30 years of teaching! Caught in the Act was such an important part of my life for over a decade- Secret Garden in 2003 (on stage) through Mary Poppins in 2015 (in the pit)- and I catch myself saying things in the rehearsal room with my own students now that I learned from you over twenty years ago. I'm proud that my coworkers at my "day job" talk about my career in theatre as my "real job", and I owe that to your encouragement and trust in me as a young performer. Thank you for being a great teacher, director, mentor, and friend!
ReplyDeleteHello, Stacey - it's me, Shannon (Miss Holub to our precocious students!). Congratulations to you on achieving 30 years of spectacular teaching!
ReplyDeleteYou are the real deal - you have never succumbed to the idea that music education merely consists of singing songs and playing for assemblies. I have long admired your commitment to true music education: theory, practice (using proper/permanent! technique), advanced vocal AND instrumental skills, history, appreciation, and performance. I met you at Da Vinci, but I got to see your daily work firsthand at Vanguard, and I marveled at how you brought it all to life with the students!
When you and I began collaborating on integrated units, you showed me just how fulfilling working with a true professional could be. Some of our most thrilling units came out of your inspired brain:
- physics of sound through cymatics & Chladni plates
- Arts Gala with INDIVIDUALIZED globally-inspired projects
- Chinese puppetry (I still insist that was a huge success!)
- archaeological dig documentary-making & directing
- growing a working rain forest - in the Midwest!
- singing & the pulmonary system
- immigration improv (I was definitely the weak link there, but boy, did we have fun!)
- recreating iconic photos from reform movements
- taking kids out in your kayak to take depth measurements of our pond and map the shape of its basin to simulate ocean-mapping!
Who thinks of those things, let alone does them, in the world of ELEMENTARY education?!!! Only you! None of these experiences would have happened so joyfully and meaningfully without your inspiration and dedication to integrity in the process.
And you did so much more!!!
- Showcases (including a highly demanding online version during the pandemic)
- music and drama projects that you linked conceptually to each and every schoolwide unit
- 5th Grade Send-offs & "Vanguardian Metamorphosis"
- Blended Learning oversight (which, in your capable hands, meant understanding & nurturing the academic & social-emotional goals for each child)
- Community Time
- devising singularly creative enrichments
- "holding my ladder"
- ENSURING VANGUARD HAD A PLACE TO HOLD ITS VERY FIRST DAY EVER before our building was ready!
You name it, you were willing to do it!
I miss working with you, my friend and soulmate educator. You've proven time and time again that thoughtful planning and seeing the whole picture for our shared students is of incomparable value. I will always cherish everything I learned from you!
P.S. - And how could I remember everything I learned from you without your beautiful, beautiful yearbooks? I thank you with all my heart for such treasures!!!
Hey Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI've been privileged to see several of the Showcase Nights at Vanguard. It always amazed me to see not just what the students were learning, but how they were learning. And how they presented what they learned. It was obvious to me that you played a critical role which could be seen in the joy and confidence the kids exuded throughout their presentations.
Having had some background in music education, I particularly loved and was impressed with the presentations involving music. I always felt the kids were very fortunate to be getting a solid foundation from such a dedicated music educator.
Newton Suwe
Dear Ms. Stacy,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching the remarkable milestone of 30 years in teaching! Your dedication, creativity, and caring nature have touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on your students. Aishani and Saanvi, in particular, have always appreciated the unique and thoughtful ways you made learning engaging and meaningful.
Your passion for education and genuine concern for each student's growth have created a nurturing environment that fosters both academic and personal development. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you've had over the years.
With heartfelt appreciation and best wishes for many more successful years ahead,
Parents of Aishani & Saanvi Patel
Dear Stacey,
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories I have of our time together at CJS! You once let me paint a pagoda for a set, I don't even remember the show but I was so proud of that backdrop even though I ruined a pair of pants with all that black paint! Having Jaidyn in my class was extra special, I couldn't wait to have her and she was such a sparkly ball of energy! Congrats on 30 years, how is that possible? Blessings for more adventures ahead!
Dear Stacey,
ReplyDeleteWhere have thirty years gone?You’ve been having so much fun teaching and giving encouragement to so many. It was my privilege to work alongside you at CJS/FRCDS. We had so much fun in Kilburn.
Remember our quick morning coffees, where we caught up and shared some laughs. It was always a pleasure to be around you.
(Remember when Jaidyn was a baby and she stayed in my room while you taught a class?)
I always liked the way you challenged the students to excellence. When you announced a musical, I often wondered how you’d ever rise to the challenge. I was always amazed when you pulled it off so professionally.
I suspect that there is a lot more to come for you in future days.
Never stop being wonderful.
Love and hugs,
Jean xxx
Dear Stacey, I am so very grateful for you and for the gift of your teaching. I was just reviewing the CBQ's at CJS/FRCDS and you exemplified all of them: Charity, Cooperation, Courtesy, Creativity, Good Judgment, Gratitude, Honesty, Humility, Reliability, Resourcefulness, Respect, and Self-Control. Children learn from instruction but they also learn by example. You are a great role model.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter's first encounter with you was when she was in preschool, listening to the chime choir, and she said, "I want to do THAT." And she did. And she loved it. Middle school can be a difficult time but she found a place in chime choir, chorus, and the musicals. You included every child, encouraged them to shine, and helped them grow in confidence.
After CJS/FRCDS, she crewed CITA productions in Palatine. Another great and formative experience.
And me? Well, I enjoyed making scenery and getting costumes together. Remember the eggs for Honk? Hahaha. We were resourceful! Such great fun. And don't forget Seamus playing Sandy in Annie. That was fun, too.
So many good memories, Stacey, and all because of you. You have been a blessing to so many for 30 years. I know you will continue to bless others because that's what you do. Wishing you joy!
I forgot to say who I was! But you know... :D
DeleteCongratulations on an incredible 30 years as an educator, Stacey! I don’t even know how to thank you for the incredible impact you’ve made on my life. As a child in your Caught in the Act classes (back in the days when you wrote the shows, which were both hilarious and heartfelt) I loved learning from you. At the time I was too young to understand this, but the joy of being in a Stacey Spears production was that every kid mattered, and every kid deserved a place where they could flourish. You created a safe, encouraging, welcoming space where we all could shine. I didn’t know then that my entire life would center around the foundations of theater and music that you taught us.
ReplyDeleteFast forward a decade or so to our many summers of CITA collaborations: I got to peek behind the curtain and learn just how masterful of a teacher you really are. There are so many things you did (and still do) that have inspired me in my own teaching career. You were constantly reaching— never content to just enact what’s on the page, you pushed yourself and your team to envision what’s possible. Even when budgets or other headaches threatened to limit the scope of what we could do, you faced each challenge with determination and a commitment to excellence. You are organized and precise with your planning— you had to be to mount a full-scale musical with adolescents in only 4 weeks! The creativity and joy of your rehearsal strategies (Rehearsal Olympics as just one example) made sure that every kid had an amazing and enriching experience, whether they’d been cast in a leading role or as Suitcase Dancer #11. To me it seemed as though you had three big goals that you somehow balanced: making sure every child had fun throughout the process, making sure every child would learn and grow in meaningful ways, and making sure the final product of the show was outstanding. I truly don’t know of anyone else who is able to so artfully balance all three of those objectives in all they do.
I’m so grateful for the fun we had for all those years. I remember so many long phone calls of brainstorming, planning, and venting with you, and so many times at camp laughing until the tears came. Even when my Friday potluck contributions were notoriously “Front of the Jewel” we always had a fantastic time working together. I am by far a better teacher, actress, and human for having known you, and I am so very grateful. Congratulations and cheers to the years to come!
-Amy
Should have signed this as Plush, I suppose :-)
DeleteCongratulations on 30 years of teaching. I remember when we first arrived at CJS..two ponytail young ones, one secretary, and one older one me. You had the best ideas for programs, especially the Ren. evening supper and music.
ReplyDeleteKeep it going..Jane
Thirty years teaching, wow! I was fortunate to interview and hire Stacey as the music teacher for a small independent school in the 1990’s. She said yes even though it meant a lot of preps and a huge span of ages.
ReplyDeleteI remember telling Stacy she was also responsible for two all school productions every year and she needed to make sure that every student needed to be a part of whatever the program. Her eyes got big and she set off to be exceptional in creatively including a wide range of ages and abilities.
Through the years because we needed her in her creative role we found many diverse opportunities for Stacey to contribute to the school community. She even spent time with the monumental task of organizing me as an assistant. Her support allowed me to teach without having to shuffle a mountain of paper. Quietly amused by my methods she met my needs with positive energy and dignity.
I was allowed to watch Stacey teach a variety of lessons. Once when her classroom was unavailable she traveled to classes. She produced one lesson in my classroom the included a fun opportunity for teenagers to exercise their creativity banging cups in a rhythm of their own as well as merging with other students. She walked in with cups and generated a valuable creative lesson.
Stacey as a personal principle offered respect to every student, colleague. Supervisor, and parent. She modeled values for all of us who interacted with her professionally and personally. I had a sign in my classroom made by a parent the reminded all who sat in my classes of the basic personal goal I hoped student would set for themselves. When I retired I passed that sign to a teacher who shared that same ideal. I gave my “IAm Responsibile.” Knowing she was and is.
Congratulations Stacey on expressing principles for all and including all.
Thank you.
Peter Mikulak
Hi Mrs. Spears! I was in CITA 2012-2015 Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), Snoopy (Snoopy), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), and Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 30 years of teaching woo hoo!!!🥳🥳 I had such an amazing time with you and the CITA team every summer! The shows my sisters and I did with you were a BLAST and were definitely a very pivotal moment in my life as I am now pursuing theatre as a career!
CITA may have been a summer camp for kids, but I learned so much through my time in the shows. You were such a fantastic teacher and director - I’ll always be grateful for the time I got to work with you!! Nine years later I’ve graduated with a degree in musical theatre and am about to perform on my first cruise ship as a dueling pianist!
Thank you for everything and happy thirty years of teaching!
-Teah Mirabelli
30 years! I can still remember you coming down the hall towards my classroom and meeting up with Jean. We would have a great cup of cappuccino that you made! I loved starting the day with you! What I really admire most is the confidence you instilled in so many children. My son included! From start to finish, it was amazing to see how you put together all the wonderful musicals. It seemed like magic! But it wasn't magic at all. It was your dedication, hard work, and your belief in children. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Spears,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 30 years of teaching!! I was in CITA 2012-2015 where I did Seussical (JoJo), Snoopy (Sally Brown), Peter Pan (Smee), and Mary Poppins (Bert).
I will always hold CITA summer camps close to my heart as it carries so many fun memories of childhood summers. While putting on the entirety of a show, you were able to make camp so much fun and I am forever grateful with how much I learned from being a part of CITA for 4 years.
I always appreciated how organized your schedules for dance, acting, singing, and prop making rehearsals were and how each person in the show was able to participate in every aspect of the show. I also loved being able to swim every week!
Thank you for being such a great teacher through CITA and congratulations on 30 years!
- Ginger Mirabelli
Hi Mrs. Spears!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 30 years teaching!
I loved having you as a teacher at Da Vinci and Vanguard, and frequently think back to all the fun things you planned for us to help us learn.
Your unique way of teaching us difficult concepts helped me learn in a way that “stuck”. Sometimes when I’m struggling with a new piano song I’ll think about the rhythm cards we used to use so I can visualise how notes fit together.
I loved our before school enrichment when we rode bikes to the park, played hand chimes, and the recorders. Sometimes I start thinking about all the activities we would do during STREAM time, like the “what’s in the box” game, and the renaissance dance. Overall, I just had a lot of fun with you as a teacher, and I miss being able to learn and have fun at the same time.
- Javeria
Hi Mrs. Spears,
Congratulations on 30 years as an educator. I still remember our before school enrichment for scrapbooking and miniature garden design. Two activities that I would have never found myself doing before the enrichment class. I liked that they pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that it’s okay to do things that I haven’t done before. Thank you for being an awesome teacher.
- Talha
Hello Mrs. Spears,
Congratulations on your thirty years of teaching. :)
You know what’s good, Portillo’s Strawberry Shortcake Cake. It really fresh, sweet, and supreme in comparison to the chocolate one. You should definitely try it, I’d say it’s better than the lemon one too.
Something that I really liked during my time at Vanguard was the Kabuki play, I had a lot of fun playing father mouse. Thank you for being an amazing teacher.
-Umar
I had the joy of working and teaching with Stacey at Chicago Jr. School, Fox River Country Day School and Caught In The Act summer theater. What fun we had together over the years and what wonderful memories we have!
ReplyDeleteStacey, you are such an awesome person and a talented, creative, passionate and professional teacher. You have made a huge impact with your students over these 30 years!
I am blessed to know you and your wonderful family!
Hi Mrs. Spears! This is Val. I'm a little late to the party, but I wanted to add my congratulations. You were one of the first teachers who got me thrilled about music and performance, and now I'm a music ed major in my senior year! Thank you for challenging your students and holding them to excellence - it's something I appreciate more and more!
ReplyDeleteStacey
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 30 years of teaching. You were the best teacher we could have hoped for at CJS. Music was some of best times Gina had at school. And I so loved to watch all the performances. Thank you for your dedication to our children.
Eva Holzer
Congratulations on your 30-year teaching milestone, Stacey!
ReplyDeleteYou teach your students in exciting and fun ways, feed their zest for learning, challenge them, include them in every step of the process, and foster teamwork—all with high standards and a delightful sense of humor!
Like their band and choral directors (who came after you), you nurtured our two boys—who had/have different personalities and approaches—with care for them as individuals.
After our boys aged out of the CITA program, you brought them into the orchestra pit, allowing them to extend their collaboration with you through their musical talents.
I think you know that I (and our family) have a great deal of admiration, respect, and love for you. Just the same, I'm happy to have this opportunity to make it clear! You are a treasure, Stacey!