Get to know the individuals that make Peterson Elementary great!
Peggy Chang - 6th-8th Diverse Learner Specialist Teacher - 2018 - Chicago, IL - pchang@cps.edu
Naperville North
The reputation of the school and neighborhood. The diversity of the community. The staff.
“All of the different languages spoken here. The positive vibe of the staff and students.”
Being with my animals and gardening.
Casey Jedrzejczak - 3rd-5th Grade Diverse Learner Specialist Teacher - 2016 - Munster, IN - cjjedrzejcza@cps.edu
"I love feeling the positive energy here from staff to students!"
St. Thomas More Elementary School
Munster High School
Illinois Wesleyan University
I previously taught 3rd and 4th grade resource for several years before finding Peterson.
I play the piano, read, garden and play with my two dogs!
Lanie Kafkis - KG-2nd Grade Diverse Learner Specialist Teacher - 2021 - Wilmette, IL - lkafkis@cps.edu
Ramona Elementary School
High Crest Middle School
Wilmette Junior High School
New Trier Township High School
University of Missouri
Columbia College Chicago
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
National Louis University
I have always been an advocate for ensuring diverse learners have access to learning environments that meet their individual needs. What I drew me to Peterson was their belief in providing inclusive experiences as well as resource and interventions for students who required more support; all this with an understanding that when supports are provided students will be able to fade back into general education learning with more ease and more self-advocacy skills.
Something special about Peterson is that my grandfather actually went here! I love how close it is to the community and how the school is always looking for ways to support the families who attend this school.
I love to do yoga! I also love cleaning and organizing!
Kulsoom Chaudhry - Diverse Learner Classroom Assistant - 2019 - Pakistan - kchaudhry@cps.edu
Emirates English School
Secondary High School, Sharjah
Masters in English Literature, Pakistan
I subbed at different CPS schools for about 4 years, but Peterson Elementary was my favorite School to Sub at. When I heard there was a SECA opening at Peterson I grabbed the opportunity and am growing and learning each day.
I really appreciate and admire the school support system at Peterson Elementary. I also like how diversity is not only accepted and respected at Peterson but also celebrated.
I love to read, travel and cook at home. I also like to spend time with my family and meditate.
Lucille Burmov - Reading Interventionist - 2022 - Chicago, IL - lburmov@cps.edu
Our Lady of Lourdes
Amundsen High School
I had a difficult time reading and writing analytically in college. I did not feel prepared. I got a gracious C- on my first essay in English class. I vowed from that point on to help students have the choice to go to college by preparing them for it. I've taught middle school reading and writing, was a Literacy Coach and Interventionist, an Assistant Principal, but find myself happily returning to doing the work of supporting struggling readers and supporting teachers with tier 1-3 instruction.
“The diversity of students and staff.”
Marco Becerra - English Language Program Teacher - 2024
Melissa Sears - Math Interventionist - 2024 - mlsears@cps.edu
Shirley Warren-McClain - Diverse Learner Classroom Assistant - 1999 - Rolling Fork, MS - sdwarren@cps.edu
"My favorite thing about Peterson is the diverse community. Here at Peterson we are a family. We come together, loving and caring for each other, and the safety and education of our children."
Henry Weathers Elementary School
Rolling Fork High School
After experiencing subbing at several schools, I subbed here for about three months. I liked Peterson a lot. I found out a person wasn't coming back, I spoke with the principal at the time about filling the position, Ms. McManamon said "Yes, we would love to have you." We went through all of the protocol and I have been here ever since. I am grateful and love this school!
My favorite thing to do, is to have gathering at my home with my family and friends. I also enjoy spendinga lot of time at my church every week.