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Fourteen teachers, two administrators and two directors join Lyons Township High School for the 2021-22 school year.
Recently, teachers new to the school embarked on a weeklong induction and mentoring program that launched a comprehensive, four-year path of continuous professional growth and development, a news release stated. At the root of the program is the belief that learning is a lifelong process.
The program is designed to prepare new teachers to become acclimated to LTHS. New teachers met with the superintendent, principal, director of student activities, their division chair and other administrators. New teachers also were paired with a mentor, a veteran teacher in their department who assists throughout the year with everything from logistics to curriculum.
New teachers heard presentations on professional learning communities, LT’s evaluation model, technology training, discipline, assessment, curricular integration and other topics.
New faculty
Bryan Aloisio: physical education; master’s degree, 2017, Michigan State University; bachelor’s degree, 2009, Michigan State University.
Candace Jackson Fauth: science; master’s degree, 2017, Northeastern Illinois University; master’s degree, 2010, University of Illinois at Chicago; bachelor’s degree, 2006, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Brielle Hawrysz: science; master’s degree, 2009, Purdue University; bachelor’s degree, 2005, St. Xavier University.
Luke Jansen: social studies; bachelor’s degree, 2018, University of Iowa.
Allison Laskowski (Madonia): social studies; master’s degree, 2020, University of North Carolina; master’s degree, 2019, Pace University; bachelor’s degree, 2015, National Louis University.
Britt Lindahl: math/science; master’s degree, 2018, Aurora University; bachelor’s degree, 2013, University of Illinois.
Brendan McCormack: business education; bachelor’s degree, 2015, North Central College.
Brittany Milovanovic: art; bachelor’s degree, 2009, DePaul University.
Edward Petrak: special education; bachelor’s degree, 2020, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Natalie Petrevski: science; master’s degree, 2018, University of Illinois; bachelor’s degree, 2014, University of Illinois
Bianca Spalla: mathematics; bachelor’s degree, 2020, Northern University
Brooke Spencer: student services; master’s degree, 2020, Lewis University; bachelor’s degree, 2013, Aurora University.
Victoria Steinbrunner: science; bachelor’s degree, 2017, Northern Michigan University.
Kylie Tunk: social studies, bachelor’s degree, 2019, Illinois State University.
In addition to the new teachers, two new administrators join Lyons Township, as well as two directors – one new to the school and the other transitioning into a new role.
Administrators
Drew Eder, division chair for counseling and student support services: Eder began his new role Aug. 17. Eder started his career in counseling in 2005 as an admissions counselor at Lewis University. Two years later, he joined Loyola Academy as a guidance counselor, then as a college counselor. In 2010, he transitioned to Highland Park High School, where he served as a school counselor for eight years. He served as the director of guidance at Andrew High School for the past two years. Eder received a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in counseling and family therapy from Saint Louis University. Eder earned a second master’s degree in school counseling and an educational leadership certification from Lewis University.
Greg Gardner, South campus associate principal: Gardner began his role as South campus associate principal July 1. He began teaching art at Mother McAuley High School, then became the art department chair at Mother McAuley. He served as fine arts department chair and director of student activities in Hinsdale Township for five years, and then as an assistant principal at Sandburg High School for seven years. Gardner received a bachelor’s degree in art education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a master’s degree in education administration, also from the U of I.
Directors
Jennifer Rowe, director of equity and belonging: Rowe began her career in education in 2005 as an English teacher at Waubonsie Valley High School. In 2009, she served as a dean of students at Metea Valley High School for 10 years, and for the past two years, she has served as executive director of educational equity at Indian Prairie School District 204. Rowe received a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Ohio, and earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a doctoral degree in education from Loyola University.
Leslie Owens, director of student services: Owens has been with District 204 for 15 years. Last school year, she served as the division chair for student services. Prior to that, she was the special education assistant division chair for three years. As a special education program coordinator for eight years, she worked closely with students and families and served on the department leadership team, helping improve the efficiency of the department and implementing professional learning for special education teams. She also worked as a school psychologist at both the La Grange Area Department of Special Education and Utica Community Schools. Owens received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, a specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Detroit-Mercy and a master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University Chicago. She is working toward a doctorate in educational leadership with superintendent’s endorsement, also at Concordia. Later this year, she will defend her dissertation: “Superintendents’ Understanding and Application of Evidence-Based Funding Principles into District and School Budget Decisions.”