Lovie Smith Surprises District 58 Teacher During Zoom Call

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — District 58 preschool teacher Nancy Hildreth started last Monday as she's started many other Mondays, by talking about sports on Zoom with her colleagues. The Zoom call took an unexpected twist, though, when former Bears coach Lovie Smith dialed in.

Hildreth said her son, Nick, who is head football coach at Willowbrook High School, dialed in first. Then, Lovie Smith's name popped up on the screen and Hildreth, an avid Bears fan, was floored.

She told Patch she thought, “Oh my God. Lovie Smith! Are you kidding me?”

Smith talked football with Hildreth and her son and thanked Hildreth for her work as a teacher. He also shared a story about one of his favorite teachers from when he was in school.

Hildreth told Patch Smith and she also talked about the difficulties of teaching remotely.

The Lovie Smith surprise was organized by Jackelyn Cadard, who works as District 58's preschool coordinator and is also on the University of Illinois Athletic Fan Council. The surprise was part of the University of Illinois's participation in the annual Extra Yards for Teachers initiative to show appreciation for educators.

Smith is currently the head coach of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana football team.

“All of our teachers are outstanding educators. I could have picked anyone," Cadard told Patch, explaining that Hildreth was an easy pick because of her love of football. She added that Hildreth is a great educator, saying, "Her kids just thrive."

Hildreth said chatting with Lovie Smith was a pleasant surprise amid the challenges of remote learning.

She said, "With all of this going on, every day is a journey a new experience, sometimes more challenging than others. To have Lovie Smith start your week is just amazing.”