Seventh and Eighth Grades
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Mrs. Jen Schauster |
I have been teaching at Immaculate Conception School since the fall of 2000. Before that I spent two years teaching in central Missouri. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and my Master’s Degree in Literacy from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. During my free time I like to go camping with my husband and two children.
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Mrs. Cheryl TolanGeography and Math |
I am a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and majored in Elementary Education. I hold middle school endorsements in Mathematics, Language Arts, and Social Sciences. I have taught in Belleville School District 118 and East Peoria School District 86. I have taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. I joined the Immaculate Conception School staff in 2005 and currently teach seventh grade Math, English, Geography, and Reading.
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Mrs. Karen WeilerScience and Math |
I serve as a 7th grade homeroom teacher and teach Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, 6th grade Science, 7th grade Religion and 7th grade Accelerated Reading.
My hometown is Jefferson City, MO where I graduated from Jefferson City Public High School. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City . My teaching certificate is for mathematics in grades 7-12.
I previously taught high school mathematics at Osage Co. R-1 School District in Chamois, MO, and middle school mathematics in the Jefferson City Public School District, Jefferson City, MO. Our family moved to Columbia in 1995 giving me an opportunity to become a stay-home mom . When our youngest child became school age in 2006, I joined the ICS faculty and took on the dual role of ICS parent and teacher.
My husband, Michael, and I have five children, one daughter-in-law, and a grandson.
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Mr. Dan KassebaumScience and Math |
I was born and raised in Belleville, IL. I attended Whiteside Grade School, Belleville East High School, and received my BA from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Teaching endorsements include: Biological Science, General Science, Social Science, Biology, Botany, Zoology. I have been teaching for 18 years and the last 13 at ICS. Duties at ICS include: Science Fair Coordinator, Science Olympiad Coach (11 consecutive trips to state), Scholastic Bowl Assistant Coach. Away from school, I spend much of my time photographing wildlife.
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Mr. Bill RileyUS History |
I was born in Pittsburgh, PA., and have relatives back there to this day. I attended St. Irenaeus Grade School in Park Forest, IL; Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, IL; and Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. I eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Business from the University of Montana while stationed at Malmstrom AFB, and finally picked my Education degree with a History Major from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. I have completed all of the basic coursework for a Master’s in Instructional Technology, but have frankly lost all desire to accomplish the projects needed to earn the degree. I’d rather spend my time using what I had learned to revise lessons.
My state certification is in US History, World History, Economics, Geography, Civics/Political Science, and Basic Business.
I have received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, the Edward Jones Teacher of the Month Award, the VFW Teaching Award for Illinois in 2006, and a Teacher Who Inspires Award in 2005 from the Distinguished Citizens Society International of Chicago, IL. This last one meant the most – I have received several nominations from former students.
I don’t display awards – if I am a good teacher, I don’t need to display them; if I am not, all the awards in the world would not hide that shortcoming.
I have taught for 11 years, all at ICS. I enjoy the camaraderie of the faculty, the freedom to teach as I feel I should within the bounds of what I am required to cover, the dedication and support of the parents, and the willingness of so many students to learn. In short, they pay me to do this – what could be finer?
I am an 8th Grade homeroom teacher, which is great because I don’t have to figure out oldest student only to receive handouts! I teach Ancient Civilizations to the 6th Grade, and US History to 7th and 8th Grade. I also have an Accelerated Reading class for 8th Grade.
I am also responsible for discipline within the junior high as Dean of Students, and coach the ICS Track team in the Spring.
My most strenuous hobby is training as a racewalker for Senior Olympic competitions. I also enjoy growing potatoes and vegetables in the summer, and enjoy observing insects, especially ants – that hobby has been with me since childhood. I am also an avid reader, mostly non-fiction.