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40 years of guidance | Teachers' Lounge Podcast

Laurie Pillen
Rochelle Township High School
Laurie Pillen

On a brand-new Teachers’ Lounge, Laurie Pillen! She just retired a few weeks ago after nearly 40 years as a counselor at Rochelle Township High School.

We talked about how never knowing what issue a student was going to walk into her office with kept the job fresh for decades. She shared some advice for anyone at a career crossroads, her love of coaching, and so much more!

If you’ve never listened to Teachers’ Lounge before, our show is based on an idea -- we’ve all had teachers in our lives who shaped who we are. And we want to hear about the teachers who inspired you or deserve a spotlight in your community. Every educator we have on this podcast, whether teacher, coach, counselor or professor, is nominated by our listeners.

So, tell us about the person who comes to your mind. Shoot us an email and nominate an educator at teacherslounge@niu.edu and they could be on the podcast! And please subscribe to our Teachers' Lounge newsletter right here where you can stay up to speed on the show and share stories you think we should cover!

Also, Teachers’ Lounge is on the radio! Catch the show as an hour-long radio program every month LIVE on 89-5 FM and streaming at WNIJ.org. We have multiple guests, stories, and exclusive segments. Tune in on the last Friday of the month at noon for future episodes. Our next episode airs on Friday, July 28th at noon and then the next day, July 29th at 6 a.m.

SHOW NOTES

Educator in this episode:

Laurie Pillen

Stories featured in this episode:

Illinois teachers spend a week at 'Social Justice Summer Camp'

Illinois high school students will soon learn how to use EpiPens. It's thanks to a new law led by a high schooler.

Music: Our show's theme music is from the northern Illinois-based band "Kindoves" and their songs "Popn," "Origins" and "Quiche." You can find more of their music on their Soundcloud page. You can also listen to the episode of WNIJ's own Sessions from Studio A where they were featured.

Teachers! People who know teachers! People with stories about teachers! Send us an email and be part of the show! Also, send us your topic recommendations: teacherslounge@niu.edu

Peter joins WNIJ as a graduate of North Central College. He is a native of Sandwich, Illinois.