Who’s New in 202? 2019-2020 Meet the new team members in Lisle Community Unit School District 202
Lisle High School
Jennifer Brady Years of experience: 16 What will be your position? Library Information Specialist What are your goals for your students? I would like my students to know that the library is a safe and welcoming environment where they can explore new ideas with the support they need to achieve their goals. What would you like the community to know about you? I am excited to be a part of the Lisle Community! I have a diverse teaching experience that will compliment the goals of our district. I am looking forward to creating new relationships and collaborating with our students, staff, and community members! What do you enjoy doing outside of school? In my free time, I love spending time with my family, listening to podcasts, reading, exploring new technologies, golfing, and spending time in nature.
Sheri Costello Years of experience: 22 years as a math teacher, 26 years in education What will be your position? Lisle High School Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction What are your goals for your students? I want my students to know that they have the power to determine their future. They should find what gives them joy and pursue it! What would you like the community to know about you? I have dedicated my entire career to empowering students and teachers to be impactful. I am excited to join the Lisle Community to continue the great work being done! What do you enjoy doing outside of school? I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and working on projects around the house.
Lisle High School
Tom Marcum Years of experience: 10 Position: Athletic & Activities Director What are your goals for your students? I would like my students to feel motivated and supported to do their best and get involved in as many things as they can. What would you like the community to know about you? I am extremely humbled and honored to serve as the next Athletic and Activities Director at Lisle High School. I look forward to building upon the successful traditions that were established before me. What do you enjoy doing outside of school? Spending time with my wife, Leslie, and daughter, Charlie.
James Stellmacher Years of experience: 14 Position: Choir Director, Fine Arts Department Head What are your goals for your students? I hope that my students will have a deeper connection with their emotions, a stronger sense of empathy, and better understand the human experience. In addition, my goal is for my students to become better music readers, performers, and consumers - activities I hope they continue to participate in throughout their lives. What would you like the community to know about you? I’m excited to join the Lisle family! I grew up in Wisconsin, where I first taught in a school district about the size of Lisle. I’m a big technology geek, and you may see me wearing bow ties - especially on Tuesdays. What do you enjoy doing outside of school? I enjoy biking, gardening, and reading, especially with my wife and eight year old daughter. I also stage manage several music festivals and events.
Lisle Junior High School
Katherine Braun Years of experience: 8 Position: 7th Grade Language Arts & Literature What are your goals for your students? By the end of the school year, I want my students to walk away from my classroom having grown holistically. Academically, I want students to discover the joys of reading and writing and pursue both as lifelong endeavors. Literature can be a terrific avenue for all individuals to reconsider their own actions, views, and beliefs as they live vicariously through the characters in quality books and stories as well as ascertain the messages from texts. Moreover, I want students to see how writing can help them express themselves in creative and lasting ways. Most importantly, however, I want to build a strong rapport with students so they can feel free to take academic risks in my classroom, come to me with any social or emotional concerns they have, as well as know I am always there to support them along their life journeys. What would you like the community to know about you? I am extremely elated to be joining the Lisle Junior High School staff or, more accurately, the LJHS family. I have already been overwhelmed with the kindness and sense of community I have felt being a new teacher in District 202. My philosophy of education has always been deeply rooted in helping students develop as competent and confident individuals not only academically but holistically; I can lucidly see Lisle Community Unit School District 202 is a place that is already doing just that. I honestly feel as through I have done better than winning the lottery obtaining this position and cannot wait to work with my new colleagues as well as get to know my new students. I am looking forward to a terrific school year! What do you enjoy doing outside of school? I enjoy completing art and craft projects, reading, writing (especially poetry), and being in nature (when it is warm out!). In addition, I like to go on walks with my dog, Abbey, spend time with family and friends, and do yoga.
Lisle Elementary School
Shawna Hoots Years of experience: 6 Position: PK-3rd Grade School Psychologist What are your goals for your students? I am so excited to continue to help build a positive community that respects the experience of all learners! I want to help students reach their full potential academically and social emotionally. I am dedicated to assist teachers in feeling empowered to problem solve for all kinds of learning obstacles so that all students can excel in their learning environments. I also respect the role of families as a key part of the educational team and want families to be comfortable asking questions and being involved in the learning process. What would you like the community to know about you? I completed my internship in Lisle 202 during the 2013-2014 school year. I am excited to be back in the district and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the 2019-2020 school year! What do you enjoy doing outside of school? I love running, hiking, and cooking!
Scott Klepadlo Years of experience: 5 Position: Physical Education What are your goals for your students? I would like for my students to develop an appreciation for physical activity and an understanding for effective communication. I want my students to see how physical activities can include everybody. What would you like the community to know about you? Outside of teaching I have coached basketball, track, and flag football. What do you enjoy doing outside of school? Being active. Hiking, working out, sports, biking, etc.
Caitlyn Murphy Years of experience: New Educator Position: Second Grade What are your goals for your students? I would like my students to feel valued and capable of doing whatever they set their mind to. I want my students to be risk-takers and not back down from what challenges them. What would you like the community to know about you? I truly love teaching, coaching and making an impact on my community. I can’t wait to get started at Lisle! What do you enjoy doing outside of school? Outside of school, I love spending time with my dog, weightlifting and reading a good book.