Mrs. A. Porras- Teacher

My name is Ann Chavez-Porras, and I’m proud to be a wife and the mother of two wonderful children. As a family, we enjoy traveling, discovering new places, and trying unique restaurants—or experimenting with new recipes at home. We are residents of Burnham, and both of my children have been part of the Burnham School community. My son is currently in first grade, and my daughter, who attended Burnham School from preschool through 8th grade, is now a sophomore in high school.

I am currently the 6th grade teacher at Burnham Elementary School and will begin my 12th year here at the start of the 2025–2026 school year. Over the years, I have held several roles that have deepened my connection to our school and strengthened my commitment to our students and families. I truly value the close-knit environment of our small school and the opportunity it gives me to work closely with students and their families.

I hold a dual bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, along with an endorsement in English as a Second Language/Bilingual Education from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois. I am fluent in Spanish, which allows me to support English Language Learners and engage students from diverse linguistic backgrounds in meaningful ways.

As an educator, my goal is to inspire a love of learning in my students. I focus on building strong relationships to create a supportive and inclusive classroom community. Understanding each student’s learning style, strengths, and interests helps me tailor instruction and keep learning both relevant and engaging. I believe that making real-world connections to classroom content and collaborating with families are essential parts of student success. Together, we can help every child reach their fullest potential—both in and out of the classroom.

I’m excited for the year ahead and all the memorable experiences it will bring. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at a.porras@d1545.org.