Marilyn D. Wrice

Tell us a little bit about yourself, what have you been up to since graduating?
After graduating from UIC, I went on to complete an ELL certification. I volunteer my time by transporting my daughter’s basketball team to and from practice and games when needed. I occasionally feed impoverished individuals in my neighborhood. I am in the process of becoming an author for children’s storybooks and coloring books. My first book is titled: The ABC’s of Affirmations.

Where are you now? Tell us a bit about your current job.
Currently, I am teaching PreK general education and afterschool math and literacy for 2nd graders within CPS. I am also in the process of attending graduate school this Summer.

How did you first become interested in the ECE field?
Candidly speaking, as a young parent of two small children, I was very clueless in the child development process. One thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to be able to support my children’s growth from every aspect. It was like on the job training and suddenly I became curious about various theories. This initial curiosity is what led me to the field of Early Childhood Education.

What do you enjoy the most about this field and your career?
I enjoy seeing the many personalities of the children that I interact with daily. They have so much light in their little eyes. I know firsthand how much of an impact a child-teacher relationship can make. My favorite quote is; ‘Be it negative or positive, a Teacher helps shape the world, one classroom at a time’, Marilyn Wrice. I strive to be the teacher that all my kiddos remember in a positive way.

What advice would you give other alumni, current or prospective students who aspire to pursue a similar career path?
The advice I would give to aspiring educators is to be prepared to be at shock and awe for those precious moments. I would also say to be prepared and not surprised when such moments occur that causes you to veer away from your planned lesson. There will be a variety of personalities. Be prepared to treat and teach each child as an individual. I feel as though a Teacher should also be willing to learn. We can learn a lot from a child.

How has the UIC ECE program impacted your career or the type of educator you are today? OR How has the UIC ECE program prepared you for your career and the type of educator you are today?
Prior to becoming certified, I was feeling complacent and unrewarded in my teaching journey. Becoming Teacher Certified allowed me to teach beyond community based child care centers and interact with children from PreK to 8th grade. These students has a wide range of abilities and disabilities. I feel as though I am making a broader impact and providing quality education. Being employed at CPS has allowed me to observe and learn from my peers who are dedicated to student success.

Please share a favorite story about your time in the ECE UIC program.
While attending ECE UIC program, I was able to interact with familiar people and get to know new people as well. We became our own little family especially during test prep time. We all leaned on one another and even formed study groups. I met an amazing group of instructors who were with me every step of the way.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time? Family? Hobbies? Interests?
In my free time, I enjoy being with my family. I am a basketball mom. I spend most of my time driving my 16 year-old daughter and her friends to practice, training and games. You know that loud cheerleader/coach in the stands, I’m that mom! 🙂 I am also a new grandmother to an adorable baby girl born 3/5/23. I am looking forward to nurturing and introducing her to the world. My hobbies are traveling, cooking and exercising. When there is time left, I indulge in DIY projects and home decor. I find these hobbies equally relaxing and rewarding.