CUSD 50 Staff Spotlight: Christine May, Media Center Director at Jefferson🌟
"I grew up in Harvard. Believe it or not, my kindergarten class was housed at the Harvard Junior High. I attended St. Joseph’s from first to fourth grade. After fourth grade, I transferred to Jefferson and continued in public school until I graduated from Harvard High. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration on Language Arts from Western Illinois University. My master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction was through Concordia University."
"As a first-grade student, I decided that I would like to be a teacher. Over the years, I had many incredible teachers who helped me reach my full potential. One of those teachers was Mr. Dennis Jordan. Mr. Jordan was one of my junior high social studies teachers. He was tough, but also cared deeply about his students. As a student who struggled with social studies and wasn’t living up to my potential, he “took an interest” in me. I went from a poor grade to an A in one quarter because he was clear about his expectations for me. I’ve based my career on that model."
"This is my thirty-fourth year as an educator. I started in 1992 as a reading assistant at Jefferson School. In 1993, I became a first-grade teacher in Spring Grove. After two years, I was excited to return to teach first grade at Jefferson. Over the next eleven years, I taught first, second, and third grade. In 2006, I earned my library science endorsement and became the librarian at Jefferson. In 2010, I moved to Richard D. Crosby. I continued to work as a librarian until 2013, when I transitioned into a Title 1 math teacher role. In 2015, I changed roles again and became an academic interventionist. In August 2025, I made my way “home” to Jefferson and am again the librarian."
"While I do not currently live in Harvard, it will forever be my home. I love working in the district because Harvard is such a warm and kind community. Our students are incredible. I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of students over the years. For many years now, I have been blessed to teach the children of former students. I affectionately refer to them as my “grandstudents”. That bond is priceless."
"Like everyone, I live in the real world that brings highs and lows. If someone is going through a difficult time, be someone they can trust to help and listen. Be grateful for the good things in your life, and be intentional in noticing them. Be in the habit of asking yourself, “What’s the best that could happen?” Change your mindset, change your life. Be kind and be present. We have the opportunity to change someone’s day. Be sure to use that power to make it better."