Mr. Wilbert, a teacher at Lyons Community School, brings more to his role than meets the eye. A familiar face in the building for the past three years, he has a unique history with Lyons: he was once a student here himself. This connection is not uncommon at Lyons, where relationships between staff, students, and alumni foster a deep sense of community. For instance, teacher Jesse’s family members knew Taeko, paving the way for Jesse’s eventual involvement in the school.
But Mr. Wilbert’s story doesn’t begin in the classroom. Before becoming a teacher, he worked as a case filing manager, dedicating his time to helping children in dire circumstances. His role involved filing cases for patient advocates, who support and coordinate care for vulnerable children and families, often working to place kids in safe homes with loving families.
A Career Rooted in Compassion
For Mr. Wilbert, the job was more than just paperwork. He built meaningful relationships with the children he helped, working tirelessly to provide them with a sense of security and hope. However, the challenges of the COVID19 pandemic disrupted this important work. In 2020, as the world grappled with economic and social upheaval, Mr. Wilbert found himself forced to pivot.
The pandemic's impact on jobs and family systems left him at a crossroads. “It was heartbreaking to leave something I cared so deeply about,” Mr. Wilbert said. “But it also opened a door for me to find a new way to make a difference.”
Finding A New Path At Lyons
Drawn to teaching as a way to continue his work with young people, Mr. Wilbert found a home at Lyons Community School. His experience as a case filing manager informs his approach to education. “Helping kids navigate challenges taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of creating a safe environment,” he explained. “Now, I try to bring those lessons into my classroom every day.”
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