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Meet Brooke Kirk, a graduate of the Western Illinois Special Education program, who was hired in Jackson, IL, in a special education position.
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Just Hired: Brooke Kirk

November 6, 2025

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Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series will feature students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation.

MACOMB, IL - - Meet Brooke Kirk, a graduate of the Western Illinois Special Education program, who was hired in Jackson, IL, in a special education position.

Kirk found an application online for the position and within 10 minutes after filling it out, she received a phone call to set up an interview.

During the interview she was asked about her strengths and weaknesses as a person and a future teacher. She also was asked about her different experiences she has already had in the classroom and how she planned to intervene in certain behaviors. After she completed the interview, she was offered a position.

"While at WIU, I learned how to manage my time, relationships with peers and professors and how to ask for help when you need it," Kirk said. "I learned how to take on a leadership role when an opportunity was presented."

Kirk was a spring 2025 graduate from Western and graduated Cum Laude.

To share your hiring story with WIU, visit go.wiu.edu/4eVgEuw.

To learn more about WIU's Special Education Program, visit https://www.wiu.edu/coehs/education/undergrad/special_education.php.

Posted By: Keyana Cruse (k-cruse@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing