Hi! My name is Katie and I’m a former 2nd grade teacher. I’m a current K-5th grade substitute teacher in the Park Ridge school district. I graduated from Northcentral University with a BA in Elementary Education. I lived in Arizona for 15 years. This is where I got my feet wet in teaching by assisting in a SPED program at a Title I school. 

I discovered my love for teaching while volunteering as an English teacher in Arequipa, Peru. I worked for an NGO in an after school program. 

It was in South America that I became excited about a future as an educator! I love being in the classroom and helping students learn and explore their unique passions. Every student has something to teach you! I believe that one way students learn is through sharing ideas and collaborating with their peers. 

I live in Lincoln Park and enjoy biking and jogging along the lakefront. I like to meet up with friends and try new restaurants. I also enjoy going to the movies and cozying up with a good book at a coffee shop. I just started guitar lessons and am having fun learning this new skill. Next will be vocal lessons!

I have been working in the Education field for over 10 years and I look forward to continuing to grow my skills. I hope to complete my Spanish endorsement soon.

I enjoy learning new instructional strategies and staying up to date on current research on improving student learning! I’m excited to be working for JAM Teaching and to have the opportunity to get to know students and help them grow!