Grace F.

Grace F. is earning her degree in Elementary Education at North Central College, where she has maintained a high GPA and earned a spot on the Dean’s List for six consecutive semesters. Originally from Elmhurst, she discovered her love of teaching while helping classmates with writing, research, and public speaking. What started as casual tutoring turned into a true passion for supporting students.

Grace has worked with learners from early childhood through middle school, developing creative, student-centered lessons through daycare and summer programs. She believes every child learns differently and thrives on adapting instruction to meet individual needs.

Through her college placements, Grace has taught in 1st through 4th grade classrooms and supported 5th grade accelerated math, gaining experience in literacy, math, and science. She also helps students strengthen executive functioning skills like organization, planning, and time management—because sometimes, learning how to learn is the biggest lesson of all.

Outside the classroom, Grace enjoys birdwatching and exploring the outdoors. Her love of animals and education came together through the Greater Chicago Cage Bird Society, where she taught scout groups about bird care and behavior. She’s been helping students—and birds—take flight ever since.

CHRISTINA R.

With 25 years of experience teaching grades 8–12, Christina R. is a dedicated and accomplished educator specializing in history and social studies. She holds a BA in History and an MS in Social Studies Secondary Education. Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of courses, including AP World History, Global History 9 and 10, 8th Grade American History, and Cambridge Capstone Research Seminars. A recognized leader in curriculum development and instructional practice, she has presented on research methodology and instruction at the National Council for the Social Studies, the New York State Council for the Social Studies, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). She also introduced and developed the National History Day program at The Bronxville School, enriching student engagement in historical research. Outside the classroom, she is the proud mother of three children.