New year, new teachers at Unit 1

The Unit 1 School District opens its doors on Aug. 16 to start the academic year with some new educators.

New teachers started on Monday with three days of training overseen by Jennifer Kenney, the district’s director of curriculum and instruction. She was assisted by district administrators and a handful of staff members.

Joining the faculty for the 2023-2024 school year are individuals who will work across the district’s five academic buildings.

TAYLOR SPEED—entered the field of speech-language pathology with the hope of helping and making a difference in the lives of students.

She will bring her passion to help students to the Unit 1 School District this year as its newest speech-language pathologist.

Speed earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a masters in speech-language pathology from Illinois State University. She completed her graduate internship with Coal City schools and said she, “absolutely loved” her time in the district.

When a position opened at Unit 1, she eagerly pursed it. She previously was employed by the Manetno School District.

In her first year working with Coal City students, Speed said her goal is to work collaboratively with the special education team, teachers and other professionals to implement best practices and ensure student success.

“I will also strive to build and maintain positive relationships with my students, so we can work together to achieve their goals and have some fun,” she said.

She finds the best means to motivate students is to remind them of what they are capable of.

“They work so hard to overcome obstacles, try new/uncomfortable/challenging things, and push themselves to be the best they can be. Sometimes, they just need some support, encouragement and guidance to reach their full potential,” she said.

Speed currently resides in Gardner, but is in the process of renovating a new home in Coal City.
She enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, and developing therapy plans. Speed is also a competitive person who loves to play games, especially with her students.

NICOLE WILTZ—joins the elementary school staff as a third grade special education teacher.

Wiltz, of Diamond, holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Lewis University with endorsements in special education and English language learners. She completed her student teaching at the early childhood center last spring and was previously employed by the district as a recess/lunch aide.

When it comes to motivating her students, she does this by providing them with hands-on, engaging and fun learning experiences. Seeing students succeed and grow in their educational goals is what motivates her.

Wiltz is the mother of two daughters—Alexa, a high school junior, and McKenna, an eighth grader.

In her free time she enjoys being with family and friends and traveling, especially to Disney World and the beach.

SAVANNAH JACOBS —is a new fourth grade special education teacher at Coal City Intermediate School.

Jacobs attended Coal City Schools and “wanted to return to my home district and support students the same way Coal City supported me,” she said.

It was the teachers that she had in Coal City who influenced her decision to enter the field of education and said she wants to help her students learn and grow like her former teachers did to guide her.

Jacobs is a recent graduate of the University of St. Francis with a degree in elementary education, having completed her student teaching assignment at Coal City Elementary School.

Her goal for this year is to establish an environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable to succeed.

Jacobs is a fan of the Chicago Cubs and enjoys taking walks with her dog and listening to music in her free time.

GRACE THELO—will serve as a social worker at Coal City Intermediate School. She previously worked at Schoolhouse Counseling Center, Plainfield Central High School and Plainfield Academy.

Her interest in joining the Unit 1 School District was, “the authenticity of the staff and how invested they are in the students,” she said.

In her first year working with the fourth and fifth graders she looks to build a rapport and motivate them to set goals.

Seeing her students grow and succeed is what motivates her, and that success is found in reports for teachers, charting and case notes.

Theo, of Channahon, holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Trinity Christian College and a master’s in social work from Aurora University.

In her free time she enjoys cooking and baking, working out and walking her dog. She is also a tennis player having played the sport since she was 9 years old.

ANDREW BRIMM—is the new band director at Coal City Middle School. He comes to Coal City having served three years as the band and choir director at Indian Creek School District.

Brimm was influenced to enter the field of music education at Reed-Custer High School studying under director Addie Dennis. “She supported me through auditions and college and I want to help others in the same way,” he said.

Brimm said his goals are to have an excellent marching band season, promote a strong class of eighth graders to high school band and receive an excellent rating for the IESA concert band festival.

Brimm said he is motivated by the opportunity to make music with his students and teach them new concepts about music. And, in turn his work to motivate them begins by getting to know their lives outside of the classroom that allows him to make connections to what they are studying in the classroom.

“I also like to have a lot of laughs and tell stories to connect music to real life events,” Brimm said.

Outside of the band room, Brimm enjoys spending time with family, playing board and video games, participating in bands and musicals and watching the NHL.

Brimm and his wife, Rachel reside in Plainfield with their son Justin.

WILLOW DEKRUIFF —is the new deaf and hard of hearing teacher at the middle school.

DeKruiff holds a bachelor’s degree in education and served as a student teacher in Oswego and Knoxville, TN.

Inspired by former educators, her teaching goal is to help students grow and learn and she seeks to motivate hem by sharing personal experiences with those in her classroom.

DeKruiff, of Naperville, shares that she has a hearing loss and an amazing dog named Teddy who she enjoys training.

She also enjoys walks, spending time with family and friends, music, concerts and color guard. She holds a gold medal from her participation in Drum Corps International.

GRIFFIN GLETTY—reports it was the small town atmosphere that drew him to accept a position at the middle school as an eighth grade English teacher.

Gletty, who holds degrees from Augustana and Benedictine universities, completed his student teaching assignment at Naperville North High School.

In his new classroom he will work to change students’ minds about English and he will do this by getting to know them.

Gletty says he will help his students make meaningful and obtainable goals and if they hit those goals it will show their progress in his class and in his words it, “makes learning much smoother.”

As an English teacher he reports his enjoyment of reading, playing video games, working out and going to movies.

He and his wife reside in Morris. And, he notes students and fellow staff members will never see him without a coffee before 10 a.m.

MIKAYLA LANGE—joins the middle school staff as a cross categorical special education teacher.

“I have heard nothing but positive things about the district,” said Lange, who grew up in Elwood and competed against Coal City teams while playing sports in grade school.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Lange gained experience as a student teacher for third to fifth grade students and high school students, as well as practicum experiences during her four years of college.

Her path into special education began in high school when she participated in an adaptive PE program working one-on-one with a student with a disability.

“I was also a direct support professional where I worked in a home with a child with a disability on functional skills,” Lange said.

As a first-year teacher her goal is to help students make progress on their goals and education, building good relationships with students and their families and creating a safe and welcoming environment in the classroom.

Painting by numbers, coloring, being outside, boating, water sports and running are among her hobbies. The Chicago Blackhawks and country music are among some of her favorite things.

TODD HANCOCK—spent 19 years living in Mexico—Guadalajara, Mexico City and Puebla—an experience that will serve him well in his new position as a Spanish teacher at Coal City High School.

Hancock taught English in Mexico City and has served as a Spanish tutor in Morris. His teaching experience has also found him in classrooms in downstate Paris and Decatur Township in Indiana.

It was the high school’s good reputation and a recommendation from the world languages department head that urged him to seek a position with the district.

“I enjoy learning new things, and I want to share what I have learned with others,” Hancock said.

In his first year at the high school his goal is to become more familiar with what it means to be a Coaler, a part of the community and a high school Spanish teacher. And, “to help my students have a better understanding, vocabulary and use of the Spanish language.”

Hancock and his wife, Tonja reside in Morris. They are the parents of three children—Mitchell, Jay and Lizzet.

Playing, watching and refereeing soccer keeps him busy outside of school. He also enjoys playing cards and board games, jogging and traveling to new places.

A few of his travels have been to Spain, Ruerto Rico, Venezuela, Chile and Cuba.

THOMAS PURCELL—joins the high school staff where he will oversee the Coaler Academy.

“I am a kind/nice guy who will do his all to make sure all my students know I care for them and want to help them out,” Purcell said.

His path into education was formed by the positive influence his high school counselor had on his life and he wants to pay that forward.

Building a strong rapport with his students is the key goal for his first year working with students assigned to the Coaler Academy.

In order to motivate students, Purcell said it’s important to understand where they are coming from and being able to relate to them.

Student success in his class is based on their performance in and outside of the classroom from the beginning of the year to the end.

Prior to joining the Unit 1 staff, Purcell was a detention supervisor at Joliet West High School. He received his undergraduate degree from North Central College and earned his master’s at Lewis University.

In addition to his teaching assignment, he will be coaching the junior varsity baseball team.

Purcell reports he also enjoys watching baseball and football and spending time with friends.