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Faculty Focus: June 2023
New PE/Health Teacher and IBCA Dist. 7 "Coach of the Year" Lenae (Williams) Fergerson led Fenwick to the IHSA 3A Super-Sectional in her first season as our new girls' basketball head coach!
What is your educational background?
LF: I attended and graduated from DePaul University with a bachelor's in communications and a minor in marketing.
What did you do prior to becoming a teacher at Fenwick?
LF: Once I graduated from college, I played professional basketball for 12 years. After retiring, I worked two years in logistics, then began doing what I love: coaching at my alma mater Addison Trail High School. I worked in the library there for four years, followed by being the sub coordinator at Willowbrook High while coaching.
What are you currently reading for enjoyment?
LF: Honestly, I am not reading a book at the moment!!
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
LF: I enjoy time with my family and two little girls, Leianna and Zoie. I still enjoy working out, playing basketball and being a heavy Peloton rider! I also enjoy watching numerous TV shows that I must keep up with -- “Grey’s Anatomy,” “A Million Little Things,” “Chicago PD,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago Med” just to name a few!
To what teams and/or clubs did you belong as a student?
LF: I only played basketball as a student.
Which clubs/sports/activities do you run at Fenwick?
Which clubs/sports/activities do you run at Fenwick?
LF: I am the head girls’ varsity basketball coach.
What quality/characteristic marks a Fenwick student?
What quality/characteristic marks a Fenwick student?
LF: I think being academically motivated and challenged, hard-working and ambitious.
When did you decide to become a teacher, and why did you choose this field?
When did you decide to become a teacher, and why did you choose this field?
LF: Well, I didn't go to school to become a teacher. I actually wanted to become a sports news broadcaster. But after retiring from playing, coaching was in my cards and what felt most natural, which then led me to landing a teaching position here at Fenwick. I must say, I love teaching just as much as coaching!
What personal strengths do you find especially helpful in your teaching?
LF: I believe my coaching ability easily translates into the classroom. The discipline, drive and determination needed to succeed in sports is the same in the classroom. So, getting the students to see the work and determination they need to put into the work, to get the outcome of good grades. is a strength that comes natural for me.
What are your favorite classes to teach?
LF: I have only taught health and P.E. so I can't say it is my favorite, but enjoy it!!
What is the greatest success you have had in teaching?
LF: This being my first year teaching, I think when I received an email from a students' parents telling me that their son really appreciates me as a teacher and I really helped him get through a lot of days -- that was special for me to hear.
What challenges face students today?
LF: I think the stress of just everyday life, the wanting to fit in, be accepted, and how life, ideas, concepts, etc. are portrayed on social media are challenging for today's children.
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