Longtime 157-C staff member becomes Dean of Students at Chelsea

At the regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting on June 20, 2018, the Board approved the job description for the newly-created Dean of Students position at Chelsea Intermediate School. Ryan Talaga, former Physical Education teacher at Hickory Creek Middle School, has been selected for the position.

Chelsea’s incoming Principal Doug Wernet is pleased to be working with Mr. Talaga in his new role. He stated, "It was immediately clear during the interview process that Ryan is a natural leader who brings a genuine passion of working with and advocating for all children. Ryan's love of supporting students, coupled with his understanding of best practices in resolving student conflict and assisting students' instructional plans, and many experiences serving the Frankfort 157-C community made him the perfect person for this new Dean position at Chelsea. Assistant Principal Rachel Newcomb and I are looking forward to working alongside Ryan to serve the students, staff and community of Chelsea Intermediate School to ensure it continues to be an excellent school and a highlight of children during their journey through District 157-C" Assistant Principal Rachel Newcomb agreed, saying, "Ryan will make a terrific addition to the Chelsea team. I am looking forward to working with him this year!"

Mr. Talaga has excellent credentials and experience. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Trinity Christian College and a Master’s degree in School Improvement and Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. This will be his ninth year with District 157-C and his tenth year as an educator. He worked for four years at Chelsea Intermediate School as a Physical Education teacher and four years at Hickory Creek Middle School as a Health and Physical Education teacher. He has also served as a mentor to a new hire, union representative for Chelsea School, Team Leader for his content team, served on the Education Foundation for five years, was the Kiwanis “Student of the Month” representative for Hickory Creek and has assisted with the District’s Charitable Giving Committee at Hickory Creek.

Last year Mr. Talaga was recognized as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom®” by Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears. He was nominated by a parent of one of his former students. In her nomination she stated, “He empowers children of all abilities to participate and feel good about themselves. Mr. Talaga instills a joy for physical activity in the students with his enthusiasm and inclusiveness. He makes every student feel capable and accepted.”

Mr. Talaga is eager to begin his new role as the Dean of Students at Chelsea Intermediate. He stated, “I obtained my master’s degree several years ago, hoping to advance my career to a position associated with student services. This position is exactly what I’ve been searching for and I’m very fortunate to find it at Chelsea and continue to serve District 157-C. I’m looking forward to meeting the students and working with the parents to begin developing a family/school partnership to ensure that all students are successful.”

Prior to working for District 157-C, he served as a part-time Patrol Officer for the Village of Frankfort Police Department. Mr. Talaga was born and raised in Frankfort and attended District 157-C and Lincoln-Way School District 210, graduating in 1999. He and his wife Sandy, have a son, Rory, six years old going into kindergarten, and they are expecting another son any day.

District 157-C Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni stated, “Mr. Talaga has a strong track record of building positive relationships with students and families. He has a passion for helping all students succeed in school and in life. I am so excited to have Mr. Talaga in this new role at Chelsea School.”