Junior deaf and hard of hearing major Jill Tezak is not afraid to go the distance for educational opportunities. Traveling across the world to Cambodia with a group of unfamiliar college-age students might frighten away most, but it is just the type of leadership experience that excites her.
Tezak’s decision to visit the Asian country took all the convincing of a flyer posted on the Quad. The opportunity to take part in community service, experience new cultures, and help out at an elephant sanctuary was an immediate draw. A few short months later, the Redbird found herself traveling more than 8,000 miles over winter break 2014-2015.
“The most amazing part of that experience was building a housing unit for children in close proximity to a school,” she said. “It was incredible to see how willing to help out they were. They were so thankful and never complained. It was eye-opening.”
Additionally, the visit included a challenging lesson in overcoming language and cultural barriers.
“This is something that will show up again during my teaching years. The most important thing that I learned was patience and humor. Sometimes you just have to laugh it off and try to start over,” Tezak said.
Jill Tezak with her LeaderShape group and staff small group
leader Ken Fansler (far right)
While Tezak has embarked on several opportunities to make her a more worldly educator, her passion for the field was first developed in her hometown of Minooka. It was there that she became a volunteer tutor for several elementary students who were deaf. The experience got Tezak hooked on serving this population.
When it came to choosing a teacher preparation program, the University’s deaf and hard of hearing program stood above the rest. She was also drawn to the countless programs and organizations available to engage with the community. Tezak sought out membership in the Deaf Redbird Association (DRA) and Student’s Today Leader’s Forever (STLF). She also participated in LeaderShape, a program empowering students to “lead with integrity” on campus and in their communities.
“Jill’s enthusiasm, compassion, professionalism, and optimism lifted us up each time we met,” said Ken Fansler, Tezak’s LeaderShape small group leader and the assistant dean of the College of Education.
For similar reasons, Tezak was also drawn to STLF, which has tested her leadership skills through service. During spring break 2015, she participated in the organization’s annual volunteer opportunity, the “Pay it Forward” service trip for the second straight year, this time with the expanded role of bus leader. Buses carried Illinois State students to and from seven major U.S. cities to participate in community service, and Tezak helped to organize and support her group.
Tezak spreading the word about the Deaf Redbirds Association (DRA) at Festival ISU in the fall of 2014.
“STLF has provided me with the opportunity to form relationships with students across majors,” she said. “It has also allowed me to learn about new and different cultures and backgrounds.”
Whether she’s on campus or traveling the world, Tezak is always searching for opportunities to explore what it means to be a great teacher leader. “Her passion for people and desire to become a well-rounded citizen will make her a tremendous asset for her students, colleagues, and the communities where she lives and works,” Fansler said.
“I am excited to know that the next generation of teachers will include people like Jill, who are capable of stepping up and leading.”
- Lindsey Sieck ’14 is a speech-language pathology graduate student in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Illinois State University. She previously earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from the University.
