Michelle Wolfe | Tremont, Illinois
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Peoria Public Schools
Michelle Wolfe’s desire to become a teacher ignited around age ten, when she remembers teaching her grandfather how to use a portable CD player. She recalls, “Despite his failing vision, I was determined to help him enjoy audiobooks, and that moment sparked my desire to become a teacher…”
Wolfe received her degree in Deaf Education at Illinois State University and started her career as an itinerant teacher for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students. After earning a certificate in Listening and Spoken Language Development, she pursued a master’s degree in special education, also at ISU. It was an easy decision for Wolfe to return to her alma mater district, Peoria Public Schools, which “laid the foundation” for her career.
Teaching in a specialized program for deaf children at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center until transferring to the K-4 level, Wolfe, now teaches DHH students in a self-contained classroom at Charter Oak Primary School. Having taught through the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a challenging time for many teachers, Wolfe also faced the daunting task of teaching deaf and hard of hearing 3-5 year-olds through a computer screen. Wolfe recalls, “This period tested my resilience and creativity but also spurred significant growth as I ensured my students continued to thrive.”
Leadership Insights:
“A truly exceptional leader moves forward with a sense of peace and integrity, managing with purpose and demonstrating genuine joy in their work…By combining empathy, focus, and a commitment to service, a great leader not only achieves goals but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on those they guide.”
Wolfe has also worked part-time in Early Intervention, serving families with DHH children from birth to age three. Additionally, Wolfe is on the cochlear implant team at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Combining her passion for supporting DHH individuals and her love for Jesus, Wolfe helped to launch a new Youth for Christ (YFC) ministry, Deaf Teen Quest (DQT), for DHH teens over a year ago, joining the YFC team as DQT co-leader.
Words of Wisdom:
“…Building strong relationships with both children and adults is vital for growth and progress…It’s more compassionate to speak clearly about my needs rather than avoiding conflict and expecting change…While striving for excellence has been important, it’s okay to lower the bar at times in an effort to live a balanced life…The work, mistakes, and learning from each chapter of [your] journey…will not be wasted.”
Wolfe devotes her time to organizations and teams that can amplify her impact. She has been a board member of the Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for over a decade. Her goal is to “provide the tools, interventions, and support needed to help DHH children become proficient readers and writers,” so that they can meet their potential and thrive.
While Michelle’s impact has been great, her most cherished calling is as a wife and mother.
