My name is José Luis "Lou" Catalan. I teach Social Studies and ESL in the northern suburbs of Chicago.

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I'm hesitant to just call myself a 'teacher' since it barely scratches the surface of who I think I am. I'm also an immigrant, a DACA recipient, an aspiring writer, a self-taught musician, a documentary filmmaker, an historical analyst, and a formidable public speaker.
 

My mission is to inspire others to believe that a better United States, one built on education, imagination, and justice, is still possible. I want to help awaken the belief that this country can be salvaged, reimagined, and rebuilt, not by erasing its past or contradictions—but by confronting them with courage and creativity. It's as crucial as ever to challenge Western driven narratives by promoting storytelling as a form of resistance to immigrants worldwide.

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At the heart of everything is my belief in the importance of education. It is what opened many doors for me as an 'undocumented' individual, and ultimately liberated me falling for capitalist propaganda. I believe it can do the same, if not more, for others. My work is rooted in the belief that learning can connect and transform us, no matter where we come from.