Get to know the individuals that make Peterson Elementary great!
Christopher Christensen - 6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher - Chicago, IL - cachristense1@cps.edu
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and attended the University of Illinois at Chicago. My wife, Kimberly and I have been happily married for ten years, have a two-year-old son named Gunnar, and live in the Lincoln Square neighborhood on Chicago’s north side.
I chose teaching as a profession because I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults. Teaching allows me to make a valuable contribution to the community and positively impact the lives of my students. In addition, I enjoy being a mentor to my middle school-age students, just as some of my better teachers were mentors to me.
Over the last few years of my career, I’ve developed a good idea of what works and what doesn’t in regard to effective teaching. I understand what it takes to retain the attention of the class, and how a good disposition and an understanding of the student mindset can make a difference. For example, as a history teacher (a subject many students find boring), I have learned that the use of analogies and enthusiasm during class lectures, as well as the application of hands-on exercises, are strong tools in helping students understand and retain the information they learn every day in class.
Rachel Mendes - 6th Grade Science Teacher - 2017 - Chicago, IL - rmendes@cps.edu
Oriole Park Elementary School
William Howard Taft High School
Northern Illinois University
Northeastern IL University
Once I graduated college I decided I wanted to travel and teach in another country. I worked as a summer nanny in Italy and while there I applied to teach at an International School in Milan. Once I received the job I packed up my life and moved. I decided to move back to Chicago June of 2017. A week after I moved back I had an interview at Peterson. I really enjoyed the positive atmosphere I couldn't be happier to be here.
"Coming from an International school I really loved the sense of diversity! The staff is very friendly and always willing to help."
Outside of Peterson I like to try new restaurants with my family. I also love to read and travel to new places.
Hana Puskar - 6th Grade Math Teacher and Science - 2025 - hpuskar2@cps.edu - Chicago, IL - hpuskar2@cps.edu
Waters Elementary
Lane Tech High School
Loyola University
Wright College
Northeastern University
Currently pursuing Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University
I grew up on the North side of Chicago in a Bosnian household. My mom immigrated to the United States from Bosnia in the 1990s, and growing up in a bilingual household helped shape who I am today. As a former English learner myself, I understand what it feels like to learn between two languages and cultures, which is something that continues to influence the way I teach and connect with students and families.
I have worked with kids since I was 15 years old through coaching, camps, tutoring, and school programs, and those experiences helped me realize how much I enjoyed building relationships with students and supporting their growth. I later attended Northeastern Illinois University, where I studied Middle Level Education with endorsements in math and science. Throughout college and student teaching, I knew I wanted to work in a diverse school community where students’ cultures and languages are seen as strengths. That is what led me to Peterson. I was drawn to Peterson because of its strong community, diversity, and commitment to supporting all learners. I especially appreciated how welcoming and inclusive the school feels for students and families from many different backgrounds.
My favorite thing about Peterson is the strong sense of community. I love how diverse the school is and how students from so many different backgrounds come together to learn from one another every day. It creates a welcoming environment where students feel supported, valued, and connected both inside and outside of the classroom.
I enjoy coaching soccer, painting, spending time with family and friends, and staying active. I also love traveling, especially visiting home in Bosnia. Soccer has always been a big part of my life, both playing and coaching, and I enjoy being able to mentor students through sports as well as in the classroom.
