Schaumburg School District 54’s Post

School’s out, but staff are still in! Hundreds of staff gathered today for D54’s thirteenth annual Professional Development Symposium. The event is a great opportunity for staff to learn and grow their capacity as educators. This year’s keynote speaker was Douglas Bolton, Ph.D., a nearly 30-year veteran of school psychology and administration, whose talk focused on creating school communities that foster resilience through cultures of belonging. The general session speaker was Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, Ph.D., professor of Community and Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago. Throughout the two day symposium, staff will have the opportunity to attend dozens of break out sessions lead by D54 staff on topics like enhancing SEL, creating a sense of belonging, emotional regulation strategies, working with multilingual learners, and much more.

School may be out for the summer, but the learning in District 54 continues! Today, over 150 paraprofessionals attended a professional development symposium dedicated to the work they do and the support they give to each and every student. Thank you to keynote speaker, Douglas Bolton, and our D54 instructional coaches and mentors for facilitating all of the insightful sessions today.

Joan Gebbia, a paraprofessional at Hoover Elementary School, dedicated 15 years to School District 54. Reflecting on her experience, Joan shares, "I will cherish the relationships made with both students and staff." In retirement, she looks forward to reading, exercising, traveling and volunteering more. Most importantly, she plans to spend quality time with her family, especially the little ones, and relish in the luxury of sleeping past 4:30 a.m. #54Retiree

Tracy Cory dedicated 33 years to School District 54, as a special education teacher and most recently as a fourth-grade teacher at Campanelli Elementary School. "I feel very fortunate to have been able to begin and end my teaching career in School District 54,” Tracy said. “I have worked with many amazing students, families and staff over the last 33 years. I will always look back over my time in 54 with fond memories." In retirement, she plans to travel, spend time with family and friends, volunteer, and indulge in her passion for reading. #54Retiree

Diane Pollard has been a paraprofessional at Campanelli, Nerge, Stevenson and Muir elementary schools, and is retiring as a paraprofessional at the District 54 Early Learning Center. Reflecting on her experience, Diane shares, "I’ve enjoyed working with the district’s youngest students and watching them grow and make progress,” she said. In retirement, she plans to travel, spend time with loved ones, and indulge in her hobbies of golf and pickleball. #54Retiree

Mary Brodie, the social worker at Churchill Elementary School, is retiring after 24.5 years in District 54. She has also served as a PBIS District Coach, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 Coordinator, and previously worked at Blackwell and Lakeview elementary schools. “Working as a school social worker in District 54 has been a wonderful, never boring, challenging experience,” she said. “I was fortunate to have a career working with amazing staff, children and families. I have made lifelong friendships and had the pleasure of working with and learning from so many creative experienced educators. I will miss the smiles, hugs, laughs and good mornings each day!”  In retirement, she plans to travel, possibly work at a private practice and write children's books. #54Retiree

Ann Stuehm devoted 10 years to School District 54, starting as a paraprofessional in the Early Learning Center and currently working as the learning resource associate at Link Elementary School. Prior to that, she also spent five years as a substitute teacher. substitute. Ann said she feels fortunate to have experienced the various roles, adding "The connections and relationships I have formed with both staff and students will be carried with me in my heart forever." In retirement, she looks forward to traveling and having more time to spend with family and “the everyday joys of life.” #54Retiree

Diane Bennes dedicated 33 years to School District 54. She currently serves as the learning resource teacher at Campanelli Elementary School, but also taught eighth-grade language arts at Keller Junior High, seventh-grade language arts at Eisenhower Junior High and worked as a special education teacher. “Some of my best experiences are connected to the teams I have been a part of and the students that I have the privilege of working with across the grade levels,” she said. “District 54 has afforded me the opportunity to grow, laugh and curate impactful relationships that have enriched my life." In retirement, she looks forward to filling her bucket by spending time with loved ones, exploring new hobbies and taking fall vacations. #54Retiree