5th Grade

Rachel Bramley - 5th Grade Reading Teacher - 2000 - Chicago, IL - renyquist@cps.edu

Peterson Elementary School
Von Steuben High School
North Park University - Elementary Teaching Certificate and a Writing Degree

It had always been a dream of mine to teach at Peterson, the school I graduated from.  And here I am!

"There are many things I love about Peterson. I feel so lucky to teach at such a culturally diverse school where we celebrate others' beliefs, customs, and traditions. I am also thrilled that two of my children are able to go to school here. I work with so many talented and dedicated teachers, as well as an amazing group of students. I couldn't ask for a better job!"

I have four children who keep me pretty busy, but in the rare moments of free time I have, I enjoy reading novels and trying new restaurants around the city. 

Amy Almer - 5th Grade Math Teacher- 1998 - Keene, New Hampshire - aenelson@cps.edu

Symonds Elementary School
Keene Junior High School
Keene High School
North Park University - Elementary Teaching Certificate Grades K-9 with a Spanish endorsement
National Louis University - Math endorsement
American College of Education - Masters in Curriculum & Instruction with an ESL endorsement

Peterson School was my first job out of college.

I love to go camping at national parks.

My favorite thing about Peterson is, "the diversity of the students."

Ari Nussbaum - 5th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher - 2010 - Chicago, IL - alnussbaum@cps.edu

Emily Gandolfi - 5th Grade Writing Teacher - 2019 - Michigan - egandolfi@cps.edu

University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts
University of Notre Dame, Master's in Medieval Studies
Dominican University, Master's in Teaching, Reading Specialist
Roosevelt University, ESL Endorsement

Before coming to Peterson, I spent several years as a student of medieval history at the University of Notre Dame, where I discovered my passion for teaching while serving as a graduate student instructor for a variety of history and writing courses. This led me to becoming a middle school literacy teacher on the south side of Chicago, where I have been for the past six years before coming to Peterson. I enjoy watching students' love of reading grow as they are able to use more tools to understand their reading.

“My favorite thing about Peterson is the amazing community between the students, teachers, parents, and community members. Everyone in the building has the opportunity to connect with other people, whether this is during the school day, in after school programs, during community meetings, or while participating in the many out-of-school programs that are offered through Peterson. These connections make Peterson feel like a vibrant and diverse family of which I am delighted to be a part.”

When I'm not teaching, I love to watch television and movies, knit classical and traditional patterns, and read tons of books.

Anna Deters - 6th Grade Diverse Learner Teacher - 2018 - Skokie, IL - agarcia280@cps.edu

- Skokie School District 69
- Niles West High School
- University of Illinois at Chicago-Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- University of Illinois at Chicago-Masters in Special Education, LBSI

Prior to Peterson, I taught middle school at Shields Elementary and intermediate grades at Hawthorne Scholastic Academy. I missed the feeling of working at a neighborhood school and knew Peterson has such a wonderful community and school culture. I was impressed by the values of the school and emphasis on the whole student.

“My favorite thing about Peterson is the strong community and diversity. I always feel so supported and encouraged by the positive attitudes and ideas of the my students, families, and colleagues.”

Outside of Peterson, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking walks with my son, Liam. I love to travel, read, cook and try new restaurants around the city.

Abigail Crino - 7th Grade Diverse Learner Classroom Assistant - 2021 - Chicago, IL - alcrino@cps.edu

My Mom's Living Room (Homeschooled!)
Joliet West High School
North Park University- Major in Nonprofit Business Management

I had just graduated college and had no idea where my life was going in terms of career. I was presented with this job opportunity from a family member and from the job description, it seemed like a wonderful chance to pour into the community, which is something I am passionate about.

Peterson is a community jam packed with leaders eager to outpour their resources, time, energy, and compassion into the neighborhood kids. It is amazing to see everyone working together even in the most difficult times.

Outside of Peterson I chef it up in the kitchen, glue myself to my bike for miles around the city, and hang out with the five dogs my family has accumulated over the years!