South High School Names New Science Department Chair

The following is a press release from District 99.

announces that starting with the 2011-12 school year, Karen Eder will serve as the new science department chair. The Board of Education approved her appointment at its regular business meeting on February 28.

Current Science Department Chair Bob Bruns is retiring at the end of this school year. He has been with South High School since 1978.

Eder has been working in the science department at South High School since 2005. Prior to joining South High, she worked for five years as a science teacher at East Leyden High School in Franklin Park.

Eder has extensive teaching experience in several instructional levels and areas of science, including physics, physical science and biology. She also has personal experience with South High School faculty, curriculum work, interventions and initiatives. Her student-centered approach will promote a continued focus on elevating student achievement at all levels and courses.

Eder holds a B.S. in biology from Graceland University in Iowa, a master’s degree in educational psychology, curriculum and technology education reform from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.

She has coached girls and boys volleyball at both South High School and North High School, has teamed with special education teachers in co-taught instructional settings, is a Professional Learning Team facilitator as well as a content area Literacy Liaison and has served on numerous school committees, including Elected Teacher Council and the School Improvement Team.

“Transitioning into the role of science department chair is such an exciting opportunity,” says Eder. “The science program at South is already strong. I look forward to leading our talented faculty and bringing new ideas to the department in order to raise student interest and achievement in science.”

“I’m confident that Karen will be a strong leader for our science department for many years to come,” says South High School Principal Steve Bild. “She has a strong background of both science and education, and we know she will make a positive impact on student learning.”

For more information about South High School, visit www.csd99.org/south.