Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
From a young age, Ida Fiore knew she wanted to be a teacher.
“I loved school and everything about it, from learning new things to building relationships with my teachers and classmates,” she says. “Teaching felt like a natural path for me, combining my passion for education and my desire to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Now 32 years into her teaching career, Fiore has made an indelible mark by co-founding SaLT (Service and Learning Together), a volunteer-run nonprofit whose mission is to empower students by giving them the opportunity to travel, learn and serve.
“We started SaLT because we both believe in the power of service-learning and the positive impact it can have on students and communities,” she says of the initiative she launched with co-founder Brad Swanson. “We wanted to create a platform where students could engage in hands-on service projects, gain leadership skills, and develop a deeper understanding of social issues. Through SaLT, we aim to inspire the next generation of compassionate leaders who are motivated to make a positive change in the world.”
A native of Highwood in north suburban Chicago, Fiore grew up deeply connected to her Italian roots. Her father’s parents hailed from the city of Bologna and the region Lombardia, and her mother’s parents were born in Pievepelago, a small town in the Apennine Mountains in the Emilia-Romagna region. After arriving in the United States, her paternal grandfather served in World War I.
“It’s a rich family history that I’m proud of, blending Italian heritage with the story of immigration and service,” she says. “I learned to cook from my grandmother and my father, especially making Italian sausage, which was a cherished tradition in our family. I also embraced the importance of building relationships within the Italian community. Holidays were always a big deal, with everyone coming together to celebrate, share meals, and enjoy each other’s company. Those traditions have had a lasting impact on me.”
Fiore graduated from Highland Park High School and earned a degree in education from National Louis University, followed by a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
She taught for 27 years at Elm Place Middle School, and for the last five years at Northwood Middle School, both in Highland Park, also in suburban Chicago. She has primarily taught science, plus some photography and English language arts classes.
Her approach to teaching is student-centered, focusing on academic growth and building strong relationships with her students, she says.
“Academically, I worked to create an engaging, hands-on learning environment where students could explore and apply their knowledge. I used real-world examples and interactive activities to make learning relevant and fun,” she says. “I made sure to create a positive, supportive classroom atmosphere where everyone felt valued and understood. I built trust with my students by showing genuine interest in their lives, listening to their concerns, and offering encouragement.”
While SaLT’s primary focus is engaging high school students, the organization welcomes college students and others, she says.
“Anyone who is interested in making a difference can participate in SaLT, as long as they are passionate about service-learning and giving back.”
SaLT consists of four key initiatives: Service-Learning Travel; Shop N’ Drop; Love2Learn; and “Take Care” Packages.
Through Service-Learning Travel, SaLT partners with nonprofits in places like Alaska, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., Orlando, and New Orleans. “These trips offer volunteers the chance to engage with diverse communities and global issues, enriching their understanding of different cultures and challenges,” she explains.
Over the past four years, Shop N’ Drop has supported over 2,000 individuals and 670 families, with a focus on fighting food insecurity.
Serving Highland Park and Highwood, Love2Learn consists of high schoolers who tutor and give educational support to children from low-income families. “It promotes a love for learning and builds mentoring relationships, providing valuable academic assistance to students who need it most,” she says.
The “Take Care” Packages initiative began to support migrant families in the Chicago area, but has since expanded to include communities affected by natural disasters or local tragedies.
More than 6,000 volunteers, including about 4,500 students, have worked with SaLT to date, according to Fiore. The nonprofit doesn’t have adult mentors; instead, student interns take on leadership responsibilities by organizing, planning, sorting, shopping and more, she explains.
Fiore says she’s most proud that SaLT is a 100% volunteer-run organization.
“It’s incredible to see how the community has come together to support our programs and make a real impact. I love all of the initiatives we’ve accomplished, but it’s the support we’ve received from individuals, families, and local organizations that truly stands out,” she says. “The community’s involvement and commitment to our mission is what makes everything we do possible.”
In the future, Fiore says, she’d love to see SaLT expand to other communities in need.
“Our work has shown that when we come together, we can make a powerful impact,” she says.
“I believe that by reaching more areas, we can continue to empower students, support families, and strengthen communities. We are stronger together, and I’m excited about the potential for SaLT to grow and inspire even more people to get involved in service learning.”
