Ms. Emily Fujiura

I joined District 89 and Briar Glen in 2018 after graduating from Lewis University with my bachelor's degree in elementary and special education. Prior to studying education, I was immersed in the sciences and studied psychology and biology. I was fortunate enough to find my true calling in teaching! Nothing is more rewarding than working with students, their families, and being involved in the community.

In the spring of 2021, I completed my master's in curriculum and instruction from Olivet Nazarene University. In August of 2021, I began my next master's in the Principal Preparation Program at Concordia University to pursue an additional passion within education - leadership. 

At Briar Glen, in addition to core subject areas, I also have the pleasure of teaching science to all fourth-grade classes. I am thrilled to still use my passion for science (and knowledge, too!) and to welcome all students into my science classroom for hands-on and engaging activities. In addition to academics, I have been the lead teacher for Inside Out Club at Briar Glen since 2018. Through this club, my goal is to empower all students to learn positive social-emotional skills and contribute to their community through volunteer projects and service-learning.

My goal as an educator is to teach children to love and have fun while learning, to use their incredible imagination and creativity in learning, and to continuously learn and grow with each day's experiences. Through working with your children, they've taught me many wonderful things, too! 

Outside of school, I enjoy staying busy with many hobbies and interests! I enjoy cooking, baking, volunteering (One Tail at a Time shelter in Chicago and the Greater Chicago Food Depository), painting and drawing, riding my bike on the 606 trail, lifting weights, participating in adult sports leagues (kickball and softball), and spending quality time with my loved ones!