Meet Your Teachers

All About Your Teachers!

Ms. Nicole Pryor

Hello and Welcome to 5th Grade! I am looking forward to a very exciting year with each of you. This year will be my 10th year at Mann and my 5th year as a 5th grade teacher.  I earned a Bachelors' degree from Northern Illinois University in 1998 and held various positions until I decided to pursue my passion, education. I went back to school and earned a Master of Arts in Education from Roosevelt University. Upon graduation, I worked 1 and 1/2 years with Chicago Public Schools before coming to District 97 in 2010.

In the classroom, I am an advocate for student voice and I strive to reach all learners. I love teaching language arts and I look forward to analyzing, not just reading, various novels with you this year. I have also developed a love for math. Our curriculum has helped make me a better math teacher utilizing various strategies that yield greater success in the classroom. But more than anything, I love to see students accept challenges and grow both academically and socially and yes, we will have plenty of fun along the way.

At home, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy listening to music and cooking new recipes as well as southern favorites. When traveling, I love to visit relatives who are spread all across the US and will sneak in a getaway whenever possible.
The first day is approaching soon and I can't wait to meet and get to know all of you. Until we meet, enjoy the last days of summer break and come back ready for a Manntastic year!



Mrs. Lisa Youman

Welcome to 5th Grade!  I am so excited to begin a new school year and I am thrilled to be returning to the 5th Grade Team for my second year as part of the Mann family. Incoming fifth grade students and families may remember me from my substitute teaching days.  When these current fifth grade students were in first grade, I met many students as I substitute taught at Mann, including a long term substitute teaching job for Ms. Domalick while she was on maternity leave.  I continued to substitute teach for the next four years at Mann and throughout District 97.  I look forward to meeting all of you at our Back to School Picnic on August 20th, and I cannot wait to begin a new school year together!

This photo included is one of my highlights of 2018. My oldest daughter (a Holmes Hawks alumni, and OPRF High School graduate) graduated from the University of Illinois, and my two other daughters, my husband, and myself could not be prouder!


Mr. Delfidio Narvaez
I hope your summer has been fantastic. My name is Delfidio James Narvaez, and I will be your child's 5th-grade teacher this year. The 2019-2020 school year marks my 12th year teaching and could not be more excited to continue my career at Mann Elementary School.

On my free time, I love to travel to many parts of the world.  I have visited Ireland this past July where I saw The Book of Kells, witness the majestic Cliffs of Moher, and walked up to the tower of Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney stone for good luck.  In late June, completed a 35-mile backpacking trip in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  I enjoy watching theater around the city, and this past week watched an incredible performance by the Albany Park Theater Project called Port of Entry.  I make it a point to share my experiences with my class to inspire them to explore their world.  

I love to give my students opportunities to explore content through real-world scenarios and hands-on activities.  I make an effort to include the arts into my teaching practices.  I am passionate about allowing students to have a choice in the classroom and involving families and community members in as many activities and projects as possible.  Social Justice is a significant part of my life, and I incorporate meaningful discussions throughout the week to encourage students to share their thoughts and opinions on current world events.  Furthermore, students will be exposed to a vibrant multicultural education where they will be inspired by stories, people, and places from around the world.