West Central Reporter

Ann Gilman’s mission as a science teacher at Calhoun High School is to teach students much more than just science.

“I want my students to learn – about science, about life and about what it takes to be successful,” Gilman told West Central Reporter. “I want them to be prepared for college-level courses and become critical thinkers. My experience here has been very positive and rewarding. The students are my favorite part about my job. I quite enjoy just having everyday conversations with our students.”

Gilman has been working as a science educator at Calhoun since 2002. She focuses on making science a fun subject to learn for her students, who are in the ninth, 11th and 12th grades.  

Ann Gilman

“I try to incorporate multiple methods of instruction, including hands-on labs and activities and videos,” she said. “I also try to work humor into my classroom along with any appropriate interesting side notes.”

Gilman was born in Jerseyville and raised in Calhoun County. She has a bachelor’s degree in biological science with secondary education from Millikin University, and a master’s degree in instructional strategies from Rockford University.

“As a child, I remember playing 'school' – I was always the teacher, so I probably chose this career very early in my life,” Gilman said. “However, as I aged, I thought I wanted to be a doctor for the pay, but I just couldn’t imagine going to school for that long, which is ironic, since as a teacher I have never really quit going to school. My interest in teaching science came about due to my success in science classes and a great high school science teacher.”

Gilman has been volunteer coaching multiple sports in her community since she was 16. She oversees Calhoun High’s National Honor Society members who are required to complete community service hours, assists with fundraisers for the school’s sports booster club and community trap team, and volunteer sponsors the school’s Academic Challenge team (ACES), Olympiad team and a Boeing Glider Team.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Gilman enjoys reading, camping with her family, and watching her children play sports.