Shab Poloz was born in Iran and moved to the U.S. at age 8, starting third grade with no English. Poloz’s dedicated teachers inspired her to pursue a career as a teacher. Poloz has been a proud educator for the past 19 years and works to create nurturing learning environments for all students and families. Her family lives in Arlington Heights and are so grateful for this community and all it has to offer.
The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy’s Great Idea
Book series, by Ann M. Martin
This was the first book series I started reading and enjoying and I couldn't wait to read the next book. I now read them with my own daughter.
A Chair for My Mother
by Vera Williams
This is a book I have used for teaching empathy as a life lesson and it's a great way to have students sharing their thoughts throughout the book.
Four Feet, Two Sandals
by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed
This book is a story of immigration and hope and leaving behind everything you know in search of better opportunities. This book can be shared with all ages to have meaningful conversation.
The Giver
by Lois Lowry
I chose this book as a required summer reading book in eighth grade, and it became the first book I enjoyed in the science fiction/dystopian genre.
Matilda
by Roald Dahl
I heard this book read aloud as an elementary student and loved the strength and resilience of Matilda, and watching the movie based on the book was a great way to see literature in different forms.
The Name Jar
by Yangsook Choi
This is one of the original books about a student who has moved from another country and is in search of fitting in and realizing that her name is special and unique and has a special meaning.
The Sandwich Swap
by Queen Rania of Jordan and Kelly DiPucchio
I read this book to my class at the start of the school year. It is a book about cultural differences and how it can be unique, and you can still be friends.
Thank You, Mr. Falker
by Patricia Polacco
This book was introduced to me in college in a children's literature course. It is a beautiful story of how a teacher can impact a child.