You might say that education is in Erin Harris’ blood.
Throughout her own schooling in McHenry, one of her educator parents has always been with her. And now she’s carrying on the tradition of education at her own alma mater.
For Harris, coming back to McHenry to teach is like coming home, and her students appreciate that she’s here, too. Harris was selected as Staff Member of the Month for February following several nominations from students and a parent.
Harris has particularly made an impression at the Freshman Campus where she teaches Introduction to Business and Computer Literacy. Freshman students credit Harris with helping them make the transition to high school.
“Mrs. Harris is a positive, understanding, relatable and welcoming teacher,” said Althea Polo. “She's one the greatest teachers I've ever had.”
Cheri Bourne said her freshman student has been helped greatly by Harris. “She has opened her room to students who need an ear,” Bourne said.
Perhaps school is like home for Harris because she’s always had a parent with her. Her mom, Maureen, is a longtime preschool teacher at Montini Catholic School – where Harris attended through eighth-grade.
Then, she got to be with her father, Bruce, an industrial technology teacher, at McHenry High School. Now she and her father are together again – teaching at McHenry.
“My dad always was a high school teacher,” Harris said.
After graduating from MCHS in 1995, Harris went on to study law enforcement at Western Illinois University. She worked with McHenry Police as a dispatcher and later at McHenry County College while going back to school for an education degree from Northern Illinois University.
Harris said she wants to help people, and both law enforcement and teaching allow her to do that. The difference is with teaching she hopes to reach students early.
Harris did her student teaching in McHenry then went to teach business at Harvard High School. Harris then went back to school to get a Master in Teaching, and served as chair of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) division at Harvard.
Her father worked with her in Harvard, and now they are both back at McHenry. Harris teaches Introduction to Business, dual-credit Computer Literacy and Consumer Education, starting out at the Freshman Campus before ending the day at Upper Campus.
In addition, she coaches badminton, serves as a co-advisor for National Honor Society, and is working on the MCHS Alumni Association and Portrait of a Graduate projects.
“I never have the same day twice,” Harris said. “I truly love the lightbulb moments when a student gets it.”
To see the video celebrating Harris’ award, click here.
The Staff Member of the Month program recognizes MCHS staff members who go above and beyond for the benefit of students. Thanks to the support from Meat and Potato Eatery and Brunch Cafe, each monthly winner receives a gift certificate as well as a plaque.
To learn more about the program, click here. To make a nomination, click here.
