The AUSL Teacher Residency Class of 2026 is off to a strong start, wrapping up their summer coursework at DePaul University as they prepare to begin the school year at their training sites.
Over the course of this residency year, AUSL will follow the journey of one of our resident teachers in the AUSL Teacher Residency to capture their personal experience from orientation to graduation.
Originally from California, Maria Pulido knew she always had a passion for learning and helping others succeed.
“I want to be the teacher that leads students to pursue their dreams unconditionally,” said Maria.
“It’s very difficult when you encounter a teacher that doesn’t have a passion for your success.”
At the age of two, Maria and her family moved to the southwest side of Chicago and she grew up in the Brighton Park neighborhood. Attending Nathan S. Davis Elementary School, Maria remembers sharing with her teachers that she wanted to pursue a career in therapy.
Maria posing for her kindergarten graduation from Nathan S. Davis Elementary School.
“I have a drive to help people,” said Maria.
“One of the main objectives of AUSL is to support underrepresented communities and that caught my attention immediately.”
Once Maria completed her bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in international business, she began her career in human resources. She was successful in her corporate HR position, but after becoming a mom in 2023, she found herself not having as much time with her son and family.
Maria on site at an internship with one of her former classmates in college.
Maria is a resident teacher in the Chicago Teacher Residency diverse learners cohort. She was inspired to pursue teaching while growing up with her younger brother who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at an early age, exposing her to the realities diverse learners often face in education.
Maria’s newborn son painting in daycare.
“Looking at him struggle so much made me look at my priorities and inspired me to become the teacher that my brother didn’t have,” said Maria.
Maria shared that she wants her son to have passionate and highly skilled teachers to provide the support necessary for his success as a future CPS student. She hopes to lead by example and embody the same qualities she looks for in her son’s future teachers.
“I also want to be the teacher that my son deserves. They are both the main reasons why I want to become an educator today. I see myself making a difference to students that deserve it the most.”
As resident teachers finish their summer quarter, they are being introduced to learning competencies and teacher moves that will support their development when they begin classroom training this fall with a mentor teacher at their school training site.
Resident teachers engaging in professional development sessions during their summer quarter at DePaul University College of Education.
Maria and all resident teachers are taking 10 weeks of coursework from DePaul University’s College of Education master’s program in an accelerated 5 week program. To further her learning and support her journey, Maria also engaged in professional development sessions led by the AUSL Teacher Residency team focused on the first core competency: establishing and maintaining positive and efficient classroom routines and procedures.
As part of the diverse learners cohort, Maria is gaining skills that are relevant to her future work with students in special education.
“Diverse learners simply learn differently. It doesn’t mean they can’t learn,” said Maria.
“We need to adapt our directions and instructions in order for us to meet them where they are and apply our student-centered learning so they have the support to be successful at their own pace.”
Maria is a true advocate for students with diverse learning needs and is eager to have her students seen and understood in the classroom.
Maria posing in front of her alma mater with her master’s degree in international business.
By the end of summer, Maria will be paired with her mentor teacher and soon know the school she’ll be placed at for the training year ahead – bringing her one step closer to becoming an educator on her personal road to graduation.
Resident teachers like Maria have a deep connection and history to their “why” for pursuing a career in education and are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of their future students.
Learn more about the AUSL Teacher Residency and other resident stories: https://www.auslchicago.org/teachers-stories/
