Gold Star Alum Series: Luz Maria Solis
Dedicated to celebrating the shining achievements of Erikson alumni
Finding Her Path: A Realization in the Classroom
When Luz Maria Solis began her teaching career in a kindergarten classroom within the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system, she was eager to make a difference. A recent graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago with a degree in urban education, she felt ready to tackle the challenges ahead. However, it wasn’t long before she sensed that something was missing.
“Working with young children opened my eyes to the complexities of early childhood education,” she reflects. “I realized that teaching the youngest learners required specialized knowledge and approaches that I hadn’t yet mastered.”
Determined to bridge this gap, Luz Maria sought further education. Encouraged by friends and colleagues who recognized her passion and potential, she applied to the Erikson Institute, renowned for its focus on child development and early childhood education.
“Erikson was where I could deepen my understanding,” she says. “I wanted to learn how to connect with children on their level, to see the world through their eyes, and to teach in a way that truly resonated with them.”
Embracing Holistic Education at Erikson
At the Erikson Institute, Luz Maria found more than an academic program; she discovered a community that viewed education through a holistic lens. Surrounded by pioneers like Barbara Bowman, Maria Piers, and Lorraine Wallach, she immersed herself in a philosophy that emphasized understanding the whole child—emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
“They didn’t just teach us theories,” she explains. “They modeled the values of empathy, respect, and comprehensive understanding. They treated us, their students, the way they wanted us to treat the children.”
Luz Maria thrived in this environment, absorbing lessons that went beyond textbooks. The institute’s approach resonated deeply with her. “Erikson gave me the confidence and the tools to see children as individuals with unique needs and potentials,” she says. “It was transformative.”
A Mentor’s Gift: The Journey with Maria Piers
Towards the end of her studies, Luz Maria experienced a moment that deepened her connection with Maria. “She thought I had missed my graduation because I didn’t attend the ceremony the first year,” Luz Maria recalls with a smile. “We had lunch together, and when I told her I hadn’t missed it, she was so happy. She even brought a little present for my daughter.”
This simple act of kindness marked the beginning of a deeper relationship. After Luz Maria graduated, Maria reached out with a heartfelt request. “Her son married a Latina woman, and they were expecting a baby,” Luz Maria explains. “Maria asked if I could help her learn Spanish so she could communicate with her grandchild.”
Despite already speaking several languages, Maria was eager to learn another. “Maria already knew German, French, English—you name it,” Luz Maria says, her admiration evident. “She wanted to connect with her grandchild in a meaningful way. Maria believed in the importance of speaking to children in their home language.”
Every Saturday, Luz Maria would visit Maria’s home. Together, they would read children’s books in Spanish, sharing not just language lessons but cultural insights. “I would go to her house and read children’s books to prepare her for her grandchild,” Luz Maria reflects. “She was so knowledgeable and brilliant, yet so humble in her eagerness to learn. We got to talking, and I learned so much from her. We shared stories about teaching, life, and family. Maria’s commitment to embracing her grandchild’s culture was a beautiful gesture of love and respect. It showed me the profound impact of connecting across cultures.”
Coming Full Circle with Barbara Bowman
After her time at Erikson, Luz Maria’s journey led her back to another influential mentor: Barbara Bowman. This time, their paths crossed at the CPS Office of Early Childhood Education, where Barbara served as Chief Officer.
“I had very positive memories of working with Barbara,” Luz Maria recalls. “She had high expectations, but in the best sense. She challenged us, asked probing questions, and pushed us to think outside the box.”
Working under Barbara’s leadership, Luz Maria felt supported in her creative endeavors. “Having someone with a deep understanding of early childhood education at the helm made a significant difference,” she says. “She reminded me of the way she was at Erikson—always encouraging us to strive for excellence.”
Strengthening Communities: The Impact of Padres-a-Padres
Inspired by her experiences and driven by her commitment to holistic education, Luz Maria developed the Padres-a-Padres Literacy Program while at CPS. Recognizing the importance of family involvement in Latino communities, she created a program that trained parents to be their preschool children’s first teachers.
“When you work with Latino communities, you have to work with the entire family—the parents and the children,” she emphasizes. “We wanted to empower parents with the confidence and tools to support their children’s learning at home.”
Part of the program involved educational outings. “We took them to all of the museums,” she recalls. “Many of the parents had never been to these places before. At the Museum of Science and Industry, some parents had never been on a plane, so exploring the exhibits was thrilling for them and their children.”
The program’s success was remarkable: 25% of participating children were admitted to one of CPS’s regional gifted programs. “But more than that,” Luz Maria adds, “we empowered parents to advocate for their children. We told them, ‘You can be respectful and still approach the teacher if you have concerns.'”
A Shared Mission: Inspiring Fellow Alumni
Luz Maria’s journey resonates with many alumni of the Erikson Institute who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. She encourages fellow educators to seek out mentors and be open to learning from those around them.
“Look for someone whose values align with yours,” she advises. “Build trust, be curious, and embrace learning from them, even if they challenge you. Mentors love it when people ask for their advice. They want to share their wisdom.”
She also emphasizes the importance of creativity and collaboration. “Surround yourself with creative people,” she says. “They’ll challenge you and expand your thinking.”
To alumni passionate about advocacy, her message is clear: “Engage with the parents. They are your best advocates. I’ve never met a parent who’s not interested in helping their child.”
A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy
Reflecting on her career, Luz Maria finds her greatest fulfillment in the relationships she has built and the lives she has touched. “The confidence I gained at Erikson has stayed with me my whole life,” she shares.
As a mother and now a grandmother, she continues to apply the principles she learned at Erikson in her personal life. “My daughters and my grandchildren all speak Spanish first,” she says proudly. “We want to instill confidence in their culture and the importance of learning the language.”
Most recently, Luz Maria has extended her commitment to education and cultural empowerment through writing. She is one of the contributing authors of Chicago Latina Trailblazers, released on September 17, 2024. The work highlights the stories of influential Latina women who have made significant impacts in their communities.
Her story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and the transformative impact of empowered families—a story that echoes the experiences of many Erikson alumni dedicated to making a difference.
“It’s about the community you build,” Luz Maria concludes thoughtfully. “That’s what makes all the difference.”
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