By Elianna Novitch

Guess what day it is…? It’s “Where Do You Work?” Wednesday! This week meet alumnus Stephen Cimaglia (BA ’15 in Secondary Education in Mathematics).

When Cimaglia isn’t teaching in the classroom at Lake View High School in Chicago, Illinois, he can be found coaching both the varsity girls’ swim team and varsity boys’ water polo team. Cimaglia has been teaching for four years and has been working at Lake View High School for two years as a mathematics educator and One Goal Program Director.

“I love having the opportunity to make an impact on students’ lives through problem solving and mathematics,” Cimaglia says.

He also enjoys creating positive relationships with his students and learning about their interests and backgrounds.

“This school and its students have cared and supported me and each other so much,” Cimaglia says. “I am grateful to be a part of a remarkable community.”

Cimaglia was the recipient of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Illinois' Promising New Teacher of Mathematics Award, which honors one outstanding new teacher each year who has started their teaching career with tremendous success.

Cimaglia says he credits the University of Iowa College of Education for preparing him to go into the teaching profession.

“With great professors, engaging classes, and school camaraderie, [the University of Iowa] helped me learn the power of collaboration and conversation,” Cimaglia says. “Iowa gave the opportunity to be myself and build my self-confidence to approach my future with an open mind.”

Cimaglia says his student teaching experience at Iowa City High School under cooperation teacher Matt Miller was especially impactful on him and his career path.

“The experience he provided and thoughtfulness of my teaching was so insightful to my career,” Cimaglia says. “I would not be where I am at today without the education and experience at University of Iowa.”

Are you interested in being the next “Where Do You Work Wednesday?” or want to nominate someone? Message us on Facebook, tag them with #HawkeyeTeachers, or email us at educationatiowa@uiowa.edu.