Hillcrest Teacher to Speak at Illinois History Conference

Kristen Kaczmarek is a Chicago History Teacher at Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, Ill., part of Bremen High School District 228. Last year (2019-2020) was the first year the class was offered throughout the District and Kaczmarek certainly didn’t waste any time diving into lessons with her students. Her skillset and knowledge has landed her the opportunity to speak at the 22nd Annual Conference on Illinois History taking place virtually October 5 – October 9. Kaczmarek has also recently been asked to sit on the Teacher Advisory Board for the Chicago History Museum.

Kaczmarek’s class, Chicago History, is an elective class for junior and senior students and teaches various aspects of Chicago History. Kaczmarek says her favorite part of history and favorite lessons to teach are about Chicago in the 1990s. One part of history that specifically resonates with her and her students is the Chicago Race Riots of 1919. This may be the reason Kaczmarek decided to propose this very same lesson for consideration to the Illinois History Conference Board. A proposal which has now been accepted by the Board and will allow Kaczmarek to present to fellow history teachers, historians, and professors across Illinois.

“I actually didn’t know a lot about the Chicago Race Riots,” says Kaczmarek. “I ended up learning more about them as an adult when I visited the Chicago History Museum. I think they are an important part of history that more people should know about.”

Kaczmarek is completing her third master’s program this fall and says that the Chicago Race Riots will be heavily incorporated and included in her thesis. She believes it is a part of history that few know about which should be more prominently included in education.

“It’s important when you look at the world today,” Kaczmarek explains. “You have to learn about the past in order to be ready for the future.”

It’s evident that plenty of historians agree with Kaczmarek or at least find her interest and understanding of history valuable as she has also recently been asked to sit on the Teacher Advisory Board for the Chicago History Museum.

When Hillcrest High School recently announced Kaczmarek’s accomplishments on Saturday, September 26, it was clear her community and students were proud and appreciative of her as they rallied in support with “likes” “hearts” and comments.

One student on Instagram says, “My favorite teacher ever! She deserves everything!!!”