School Begins in Elmhurst District 205 with 36 New Faces at the Front of the Classroom

Elmhurst Unit District 205 has welcomed 36 new teachers this year. We asked them to provide a little background information on themselves and a vision statement about what they will bring to the students of District 205.

In addition to the profiles below, District 205 also welcomes Kitty Murphy, special education program coordinator at York High School; Kristen O'Connor, psychologist intern at Sandburg Middle School and Jackson Elementary; and Mary Loversky, librarian at Emerson Elementary.

AMY BAER
Special education resource teacher at Edison Elementary
Baer earned a master's degree in special education and elementary education from DePaul University. She previously worked in Kenosha Unified School District 1.
"I will bring passion and enthusiasm to my students, providing them with positive and enjoyable learning experiences."

CHRIS BAZANT
Assistant varsity football coach and American history and world studies teacher at York High School
Bazant earned a bachelor's degree in history and social sciences at North Central College. He previously worked in Mattoon Community Unit District 2.
"I am extremely excited and fortunate to be part of the District 205 team and community. I am very eager to bring valuable and meaningful instruction, experience and skills to ensure that every student has a place, as well as success, within school and in extracurricular activities, outside in the community and wherever the future might lead."

FARHEEN BEG
Computer literacy teacher at Sandburg Middle School
Beg earned a bachelor's degree in computer information systems with a minor in business administration from DePaul University and a teaching certificate from National Louis University.
"I bring several years of experience from the information technology field as a software engineer. More importantly, I have been working and volunteering with children for over six years. I bring not only a passion to take children to the future of technology, but also a passion for education."

AMBER BRYANT (BRYDON)
School psychologist at Conrad Fischer and Lincoln elementary schools
Bryant has a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in coaching from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and an education specialist degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She formerly worked in Naperville Unit District 203
"I bring with me experiences working with students from early childhood through transition. I greatly look forward to working collaboratively with team members, including parents and students at both Fischer and Lincoln."

MARGARET BURGDORF
English and AP literature teacher at York High School
Burgdorf earned a bachelor's degree at Cornell College and a master's at Northern Illinois University. She previously worked at Geneva High School as a special education assistant.
"I bring enthusiasm for and dedication to student learning. I truly enjoyed my previous experience at York as a student teacher, and I am excited to return and work with such great students, parents and fellow teachers."

GEMMA CESARIO
Italian teacher at York High School
Cesario earned a bachelor's degree from Istituto Suor Orsola Benincasa, Naples, Italy, and a master's of education at National Louis University. She previously worked at Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison, Charles Darwin Elementary School in Chicago and Roosevelt Middle School in River Forest.
"(I will bring) a passion for the Italian language and appreciation of the Italian culture and traditions."

PATRICK CHAMBERS
Teaches in the transition program for students ages 18-22.
Chambers earned a master's in special education from Northern Illinois University. He previously worked at a private school in Rogers Park for students with autism.
"(I will bring) a dedication to the students and their futures, and a positive nature."

LISA DAHLQUIST
Reading strategies and social studies teacher at Bryan Middle School
Dahlquist earned a master's degree in reading education from Concordia College and a bachelor's degree in elementary education at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She previously worked in East Maine District 63.
"I'm excited to continue my teaching career in Elmhurst. I hope to bring to students a positive outlook on education and opportunities to grow and develop a life-long love of learning."

KARA DOLLASKE
Counselor at York High School
Dollaske earned a bachelor's degree in history, secondary education, at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, a master's degree in school counseling from Northeastern Illinois University and a master's in educational leadership at Concordia University Chicago. She previously worked at Waukegan High School.
"I feel I can bring an energetic and realistic approach to working with the students at York. I look forward to working with the students, families, staff and community of Elmhurst. Go Dukes!"

BRIAN DRUMM
English teacher and head boys water polo coach at York High School
Drumm earned a bachelor's degree in English at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a master's in language arts education from Northeastern Illinois University. He also earned a Type 75 certificate from Roosevelt University. He previously worked at Saint Ignatius College Prep.
"In my classroom, it is my goal to actively engage students so they develop a true appreciation for reading and writing. At the pool, I aim to get back to the state championship as a Duke."

LINDSAY DUBOIS
French teacher at Bryan and Sandburg middle schools
DuBois earned a bachelor's degree in French education from Illinois State University.
"I will be using my expertise in the field of French and education to create positive, effective learning environments for the students in District 205."

JANET DUDZINSKI
Speech pathologist for grades kindergarten through fourth at Emerson School
Dudzinski has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in speech-language pathology.
"I bring a wide range of experience and expertise in the field of speech pathology to Emerson School. My goal is to increase and sharpen the communication skills of my students so that they are extremely successful socially and academically."

JENNIFER FIGIEL
Spanish teacher at Sandburg Middle School
Figiel earned a bachelor's degree in teaching of Spanish at the University of Illinois. She previously worked at Wauconda High School in District 118.
"(I have) the willingness to instill a desire in students to appreciate Spanish language and culture."

TANIA FOERTSCH-BAYS
Multi-needs teacher at Sandburg Middle School
Foertsch-Bays earned a bachelor's degree at University of Wisconsin-Stout and achieved certification at National Louis University.
"I am very excited to be a part of Elmhurst School District 205. My energy and enthusiasm to help everyone learn is contagious. Working with each of my students on an individual basis an providing them with the tools and resources they require is of utmost importance to me. I look forward to having a great year."

STEPHANIE FURLONG
Fourth-grade teacher at Emerson Elementary School
Furlong earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from North Central College and a master's in teaching and certification from Aurora University. She previously worked for Two Rivers Head Start Agency as a preschool teacher and parent educator.
"I am excited to be a first-year elementary teacher in District 205. I look forward to working with the wonderful students, staff and families of Elmhurst. I will be planning an implementing engaging and exciting lessons and activities to help students meet their full potential. I appreciate any comments or feedback that will help me grow in my role as an educator."

MICHAEL GROSSO
Fifth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School
Grosso has a master's degree in teaching. He previously was an educational assistant in District 205.
"I can bring a passion and drive to the students at District 205 that powers their goals and creativity so they can realize their ultimate potential."

SARAH HENNING
French teacher at Bryan Middle School
Henning has a bachelor's degree in French and English from Mizzou University and a secondary certification from Lewis University. She previously worked in Western Springs Elementary District 101.
"I am truly excited about joining the District 205 team. I have a passion for teaching and cannot wait to share my love of the French language, culture and customs with my students."

JILL JENSEN
Seventh-grade math and English teacher at Sandburg Middle School.
Jensen has a degree in elementary education from Lewis University. She previously worked in Pleasantdale Elementary District 107 in La Grange.
"I can bring seventh-graders an innovative perspective to learning math and English. I will also challenge all of my students and encourage them to become life-long learners."

LAUREN KADOW
Social work intern at York High School
Kadow has a bachelor's degree in social work from St. Louis University and a master of teaching degree from Dominican University. She previous worked in Chicago Public Schools.
"I am passionate about working with the students at York. I am a strong believer in students building a solid foundation of academic, social and emotional skills as a foundation for a successful life."

COLLEEN KINDELIN
Seventh-grade language arts and social studies teacher at Sandburg Middle School
Kindelin earned a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and a master's in learning disabilities at Northwestern University. She previously worked in Hillsborough County School District in Tampa, Fla.
"I am thrilled to be joining District 205 and I look forward to utilizing my background in English, psychology, learning disabilities and music to create engaging learning experiences for my students. I hope that my private clinical experience in the field of ADHD, executive functioning and dyslexia may be of benefit to the district as well."

JESSICA LARSON
School psychologist at Hawthorne and Jackson elementary schools
Larson has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Bryn Mawr College and a master of education degree from Loyola University. She previously worked at Community Consolidated School District 15.
"I have the passion to help all students learn and grow to their full potential."

MIKE LEVERENCE
Art teacher at Edison Elementary School
Leverence has a bachelor's degree in graphic design from Eastern Illinois University and a teaching certification from Trinity Christian College. He previously taught at Cowlishaw Elementary School in Naperville.
"I feel my strong work ethic and enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring young students will be an asset to District 205. I will strive to create a positive learning environment where students can feel comfortable sharing ideas and expressing themselves in a meaningful way through the visual arts."

KIMBERLY MCKEOWN
English II and English AP language and composition teacher at York High School
McKeown earned a bachelor's degree in English at Northern Illinois University. She previously worked as a long-term substitute teacher in Districts 46 and 158.
"I feel that I can bring a passion for teaching and a strong desire to help students explore and better understand the world in which they live. I also feel that my experience working with a variety of students in grades six through 12 will help me understand the needs of all of my students."

TIM MORAN
U.S. history and government teacher at York High School
Moran earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and a master's in the arts of teaching at National Louis University. He previously worked at Maine Township District 207.
"I feel that I can bring a tremendous amount of energy, dedication and experience to my job as a social studies teacher at York. My previous work has taught me what students need, as far as skills and knowledge are concerned. More importantly, though, it has taught me how my students learn. I look forward to continuing my work in this wonderful district."

ANTHONY PETERSEN
Eighth-grade science teacher at Churchville Middle School
Petersen earned a bachelor's degree in biology at Dominican University and a teaching certification at Northern Illinois University. He previously worked in District 13 in Bloomingdale.
"I feel I can bring much excitement, energy and enthusiasm for the sciences into District 205. I hope to reach all of my student to aspire to greatness and best prepare them for the next stage in their academic lives."

ROBERT PHILIPP
Sixth-grade math teacher at Sandburg Middle School
Philipp earned his bachelor's degree at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He previously worked in District 214 in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
"I believe every student can learn. I help each of my students achieve his or her full potential. I utilize creative, engaging lessons to meet the individual needs of my students. I have a strong background in mathematics and take pride in helping students understand new concepts. I am looking forward to an outstanding year with District 205."

SALLY REGAN
English teacher at York High School
Regan earned a bachelor's degree in English, secondary education, at Eastern Illinois University and a master's of education in reading at National Louis University. She previously worked in District 214 in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
"I feel I can bring my educational, professional and personal experiences to the classroom to help York students reach their academic goals and prepare them for future success, while also developing their awareness of themselves and the world they live in."

JESSICA SCIACCA
Reading specialist at Churchville Middle School
Sciacca earned a bachelor's degree in English education from Illinois State University and a master's in reading instruction from Aurora University. She previously worked in Elgin District 46 and Rich Township District 225.
"I want to motivate all students to become effective readers, writers and thinkers in order to prepare them for academic success in high school. I will establish specific goals and create innovative, diverse lessons that will promote cooperative learning in order to reach those goals on a consistent basis."

LINDSEY SHAFFER
Physical education teacher at Jackson and Field elementary schools
Shaffer earned a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University and a bachelor's degree in physical education from Elmhurst College. She previously worked at Joliet District 86, where she coached volleyball and sponsored a girls motivational club.
"I will bring a high level of professionalism, energy and innovative ideas into my schools to help provide the best experience, opportunity and education for the students. I will bring an enthusiasm to the classroom that promotes student interest, increased levels of personal fitness, an understanding of social responsibility and self-respect, in addition to good sportsmanship. I look forward to serving and representing the Elmhurst community."

STEPHANIE SZYMONIK
Biology teacher at York High School
Szymonik earned a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in secondary education.
"I want to motivate all students to become life-long learners and foster excitement for the field of science. I want to help students to become effective critical thinkers and to explore the natural world around them. Based on my experiences of research at Brookfield Zoo, I am hoping to incorporate inquiry-based learning and skills into my classroom."

LISETTE LAFITA WALLIN
English as a second language teacher at Field and Edison schools
Wallin earned a bachelor's degree from University of Illinois, a master's from Illinois State University, a master's from Roosevelt University, and bilingual endorsement from National Louis University. She previously worked in District 70 in Morton Grove.
"I feel I bring creativity and broad-based knowledge to the district. I have previously worked in the business world and was once an English as a second language student."

ERICA WHITE
Kindergarten teacher at Field School
White earned her bachelor's degree at Northern Illinois University. She previously was the technology media assistant in Elmhurst District 205.
"I feel I can bring District 205 students the best possible education by providing them with tools, inspiration and experiences appropriate for their individual learning needs."

LISA WILLIAMS
Reading specialist at Churchville Middle School
Williams earned degrees at Elmhurst College and Concordia University. She previously worked in St. Charles District 303 and Villa Park District 45.
"I am excited to be joining the Churchville community. I believe that my past experience as both a reading specialist and special education teacher provides me with the skills necessary to help support Churchville students as they become life-long learners."