Ayesha V.

I’m a passionate educator and tutor with over five years of experience helping students succeed across a range of subjects, including math, reading, writing, and phonics. I have a strong background in supporting English Learners and am known for my warm, culturally responsive teaching style. I’ve worked in both public and private school settings, including as a bilingual assistant and as the owner-principal of a private kindergarten.

I design personalized learning experiences that build confidence and foster a love of learning. Fluent in both English and Spanish, I value strong communication and whole-child development. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, running, watching movies, and spending time in nature with family and friends—and I never miss a chance to celebrate student growth with a little confetti!

Lucas J.

Lucas Jacob has taught and tutored writing, literature, and reading to grades 6-12 for more than 30 years, in private, public, and public-charter schools across the United States and in Budapest, Hungary, where he was a Fulbright Fellow. He holds a B.A. in English and African/African-American Studies from Carleton College (Phi Beta Kappa; magna cum laude) and an M.A. (with highest honors) in writing and literature from Temple University. Luke has published nearly 100 essays, poetry, and works of fiction in trade journals (including Education Week and Independent School Magazine) and literary magazines (including Southwest Review and Chicagoland’s venerable RHINO). His first two full-length collections of poems have come out in the past six years, from Eyewear Publishing (London, UK) and Next Page Press (San Antonio, TX). He currently serves as co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Media Literacy Education and he is working on both his first middle grades novel and his first mystery novel for adult audiences, which goes to show that even when he is not teaching reading and writing he is…well…reading and writing.

Madison J.

Madison J. is a certified teacher in Life Sciences and ELL. She has been teaching for 10 years. While studying Neuroscience at Vassar College, she discovered a love of teaching as a chemistry teaching assistant. After graduating, she went on to earn a Master’s in teaching through a fellowship with the Institute for Citizens and Scholars. She has taught Biology, Zoology, and Environmental Science at the high school level, as well as science and math at the middle school level. Her true passion is in helping all students not only succeed, but to discover a love of learning and the joy that comes from exploring the world. Outside of the classroom, she is mom to an energetic son and a grumpy tortoise. She loves to knit, sew, and hike.

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.

Robin E.

My name is Robin E. I am retired elementary school teacher and reading assistant. I taught kindergarten and Title One Reading. I worked in Maywood, Downers Grove and Burr Ridge. Since retirement I have been tutoring reading and a little math to elementary students specializing in students 4th grade and under. My expertise is with emergent readers and struggling readers. I have experience with Fundations, Fountas and Pinell and Explode the Code to mention a few. I try to constantly find new and fun ways to teach.

About me…
I graduated from Indiana University with a BS in Education. I have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. I enjoy traveling, yoga and am an avid golfer and walker.

Jamie S.

Jamie Shabez is a certified teacher. She grew up in River Grove, Illinois, and received her Associate of Arts degree from Triton College. She then went on to study at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education along with her ESL certification (English as a Second Language). Since graduation, Jamie has taught kindergarten for 3 years, first grade for 2 years, and is currently teaching fifth grade. She has had an interest in teaching ever since she was young, and that love for helping children grow and reach their full potential has continued to develop each year. One of her favorite things about education is knowing she can have a positive influence on kids and help them foster a love for learning. Seeing that “lightbulb” go on when they grasp a new concept and it clicks is a transformative moment that inspires Jamie to continue to strive to be the best teacher and support system she can be for children. In her spare time, she loves to explore new hiking trails and go camping, weightlift, try new recipes in the kitchen, read a good book, or work on puzzles.

Lacey S.

Lacey Schedler graduated from The University of Tampa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She is currently finishing her Master’s Degree online at Wayne State College in order to become certified as a Reading Specialist. Ms. Schedler also has endorsements in Reading and English Language Learners. She has taught for seven years and has experience teaching Kindergarten- Second Grade. Lacey is passionate and dedicated to helping students learn and grow, especially those who struggle. She can relate to the frustrations your student might be feeling, as she struggled when she was a child. Due to her hard work and perseverance, she has gotten to where she is today and has successfully helped students go from below grade level to on grade level within one school year. Ms. Schedler is confident that she will have a positive impact on your child’s learning and success. She is looking forward to working with your child this summer!

Lisa M.

Lisa is a certified teacher with 25 years of experience teaching 4th–8th grade across all subjects. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Leadership, and an additional 30 hours in Curriculum Development. Through her experience, she has expertise in differentiated instruction and building social-emotional skills in the classroom. Lisa believes that strong relationships, a focus on self-efficacy, and a love of learning are key to helping students reach their full potential. She meets each student where they are and creates a supportive environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth.

In her free time, Lisa enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and traveling with her husband, two daughters, and their two dogs.

Margaret M.

An experienced and results oriented professional educator of Elementary/High School children with learning disabilities, developmental disability and social/emotional disorders. Consistently achieved or exceeded management goals and objectives; excellent interpersonal and communication skills at all levels of the organization, with associates, students and parents; a team leader and builder with a motivational style. Technically knowledgeable and experienced in utilizing a variety of learning platforms and strategies. Creative and innovative; a problem solver; achievement and accomplishment oriented; dedicated and reliable.

Certified (K-12) Standard Special Education LBS1, LD/SED, unlimited Certified (K-9) Standard Elementary General Education. Proven ability to accurately assess learning problems; EMBRACE skilled in developing Individual Education Plans effectively monitor progress and collect data for behavior, functional analysis. Developed and implemented pre-vocational curriculum in a high school setting. Participated in Intervention training to develop diverse teaching strategies. Implement a team-oriented approach for working with teachers, psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists. Commended in Performance Evaluations for outstanding

Amanda M.

Amanda holds a professional educators license in Illinois and has her Master’s in Curriculum &
Instruction with specialized endorsements in Director of Special Education, LBS1, Reading
Specialist, and ESL. She is a certified Wilson Reading System Level 1 Practitioner and has 11
years of experience working with students in grades K-5 in diverse settings.

Born and raised in Downers Grove, Amanda grew up a lover of school and learning with an
extra passion for math. As she started her career in teaching, her passion switched to reading
and teaching reading! Amanda participated in competitive dance and cheer throughout her
collegiate years and continues to be as active as she can lifting, running, and completing her
first marathon in October 2024! Amanda loves working with students of all ages and abilities,
helping them accomplish their goals and move on to the next challenge!