Lake County Gazette

Each week during the 2025-26 school year, Granite City Community Unit School District #9 is recognizing staff members who have made a positive impact on students. This week, the district highlighted Tina Buck, an ESL/Bilingual teacher who works at several schools including Wilson, Frohardt, Lake ESSC, and Granite City High School.

Buck has been teaching for 14 years and previously served as a substitute teacher for five years before becoming a full-time staff member at GCSD9. The district serves multiple schools in Madison County such as Coolidge Junior High School, Frohardt Elementary School, Granite City High School, Grigsby Intermediate School, Maryville Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School, Prather Elementary School, and Wilson Elementary School. More information about the district’s schools can be found at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.

Sophia Polley, First Student Operations Support Specialist, praised Buck's commitment to helping families in need of language assistance. "Last year a GCSD9 translator gave me her phone number if we ever needed help and she has been nothing short of a blessing since. Her name is Tina Buck," Polley said. "For example, I came across two guardians of students on a bus that didn't speak English; I sent her their information, and she took care of it pronto."

When asked why she became a teacher, Buck explained her motivation: "I always wanted to be in education because I love helping people and bringing positivity and excitement to the classroom. I always learned more when I had fun in school. I hope my students remember me as a positive influence on their educational experience."

Buck also described what she finds most fulfilling about her work: "The most rewarding part of my job is helping hundreds of families, along with their teachers and staff, communicate with each other on a daily basis."

Recalling her favorite memory from teaching so far, Buck shared: "My favorite memory from teaching is when I was at the Early Childhood Center. I had a 3-year-old Spanish-speaking student who was not potty trained. I bought him special pull-ups and helped him overcome his fears of the loud bathroom. He was potty trained in no time. His parents were so thankful I was there to comfort him with some Spanish and fancy pull-ups with cars on them."

Outside of school hours Buck enjoys spending time with her family: "I enjoy spending time with my husband, Ethan, and my three kids, Elzie, Evelyn, and Vivian. We also adopted a dog, Stormy, from Granite City Animal Control in June of this year. It is always busy but so much fun!"

She holds a master’s degree in elementary education from McKendree University with a minor in Spanish.

Asked what career she would pursue if not teaching: "I would love to help Spanish-speaking families through a translating service for those who need assistance with appointments, the DMV, and more."

Her favorite food is Mexican cuisine: "I love Mexican food! The flavors are amazing and I enjoy the culture of the restaurants."

Buck cited her mother as an inspiration: "I have always looked up to my mom Pat Evans. She was a teacher and later a principal here in Granite City. My mom has been an inspiration to all. She has always been a hard worker both as a mother and in education. At home she created a loving environment with my dad. In school the students always came first and were at the center of her career. I am thankful to have my mom as a role model in all areas of life."

According to state data reported by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), GCSD9 employs 320 teachers earning an average salary of $67,898 prior to pension contributions; approximately 77 percent are women while about 23 percent are men; none have exceeded ten absences within one academic year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district enrolls students who are approximately 65 percent White; nearly 16 percent Black; almost 12 percent Hispanic; less than one percent Asian (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In fiscal year 2020 GCSD9 spent $17,739 per student totaling over $106 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

To nominate other deserving staff members for future spotlights readers can email information@gcsd9.net.