MCAS Welcomes New Teachers

 

Michigan City Area Schools welcomed many new teachers and other certified staff this school year. We asked them to share a bit about their background and to answer the question, “Why did you become an educator?” Their responses are below!

 

Heather Alexis

Joy Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher

Experience: 25 years teaching 3rd and 4th grade. Fun Fact: She loves teaching math and science and has become known as the “Harry Potter Teacher” because she transformed her classroom into Hogwarts.

Education: University of Illinois at Chicago, American College of Education

“My 4th grade teacher made learning engaging and fun. To this day, I vividly remember specific activities and trips. This experience sparked my goal to become a teacher. I’ve stayed in education because I believe I’ve made a difference in the many lives of families and students.”

Tim Amour

Barker Middle School, Computer Science/Coding Gateway Teacher

Coaching/Sponsoring: Middle School Esports

Experience: 3 years teaching at Portage High School

Education: Valparaiso University (B.S. in Astronomy and B.A. in Education)

“I became an educator to make a lasting impact on my students not only in course content but in social and emotional growth to help them reach their goals and dreams.”

Jonathan Bach

Springfield Elementary School Teacher

Zach Bartelheim

Michigan City High School, Co-teaching English

Coaching/Sponsiring: Wrestling

Experience: 2 years teaching life skills (grades 6-8), 2 years teaching (grades 6-12)

Education: Valparaiso University, Purdue Northwest, and Ball State

“I became an educator to make a difference.”

Jennifer Bombich

Barker Middle School, Social Studies Teacher

Experience: 7th and 8th Social Studies in Texas and 6th grade Social Studies in La Porte

Education: BS in Criminal Justice at SHSU

“I became an educator to make a difference.” 

Kristin Cervo

Michigan City High School, 9th Grade Biology Teacher 

Experience: Robotics, Computer Science, Speech 

Education: Indiana University

“I became an educator because nothing else made sense.”

Hannah Chamberlain

Krueger Middle School, Science Teacher

Experience: Environmental Education fellow at Dunes Learning Center for one year.

Education: Indiana University (BA in Environment and Sustainability Studies)

“I’ve been surrounded by teachers for most of my life, so I’ve learned from a young age how impactful teachers can be. I want to support and motivate students in school and life. I believe in the power of education and educators to create a better world for all.”

David Coffey

Michigan City High School, 10th-12th Grade Earth and Space Science/ICP Teacher

Experience: Two years at Hammond Central High School as the Earth and Space Science teacher, Plato Biology teacher, Founder and Co-sponsor of the Geology Club.  

Education: Indiana University Northwest (B.A. in Geology), Indiana Wesleyan University, attending online T2T Certification program. 

“My wife brought me into the field of science education. I hit the ground running and fell in love with our students and educating them with science and adult life skills. I have made a difference in some students' lives and want to continue making a difference with my new students here at Michigan City High School. My wife and I are looking to move to Michigan City to experience and become part of the community.”
 

Leigh Coffey 

Michigan City High School, Environmental Science/ICP Teacher

Experience: Eight years at Hammond Central High School

Education: Associate Degree at Triton College, IUN - B.S. in Geology, IUN - M.S. in Education

“I love working with young adults and getting to know them. I love geology and the environment and want to share that passion with the youth. I want to make a difference in the lives of high school students.”

Mia Eaton

Lake Hills Elementary School, K-3rd Grade Special Education Teacher

Experience: Student taught first grade and special education at Brummit Elementary 

Education: Purdue University Northwest

“My mom inspired me to become an educator. I have watched my mom do so many amazing things for her students. She has always been the one I look up to. My little brother showed me he is not different; he just has different abilities.” 

Brenna Farrell

Pine Elementary School, Special Education Pre-K Teacher 

Experience: YMCA, Trojan Learning Center Pre-K Lead

Education: Central Michigan University, Teaching Early Childhood/Special Education Birth-Kindergarten

“I am passionate about the importance of a high-quality early childhood education for every child and want to be a part of the group to make that happen while fostering a love for learning.”

Lisa Filiczjowski

Michigan City High School, 9th-12th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Experience: Student Teacher, long-term substitute, and library

Education: Purdue Calumet, Calumet College

“​​I became an educator to inspire and educate all students.”

Gemini Fox

Michigan City High School, 9th-12th Grade German Teacher

Education: Purdue University,  University of Wisconsin-Madison

“​​I became an educator to help students find their love for learning German.” 

Marie Furmanski

Lake Hills Elementary School, 4th Grade Math Teacher

Experience: Two years teaching 5th grade in East Chicago and four years teaching 3rd grade in Hammond

Education: Ivy Tech, Purdue University

“I am excited to help all students reach their full potential and grow up to achieve their dreams.”
 

Vanessa George

Michigan City High School, Geometry/ Algebra 2 Teacher

Experience: Fourteen years at Portage High School and 12 years at Morgan Township High School

Education: St. Joseph’s College

“​​I became an educator to connect with students, to show them math doesn’t have to be this scary subject everyone thinks it is. To show them I care and that I will be their biggest fan and support system.” 

Jennifer “Jenn” Gregg

Edgewood Elementary School, 3rd Grade Teacher

Experience: Class of ‘92 Red Devil, 4th grade teacher at Garden Ridge Elementary in Flower Mound, Texas, 3rd and 4th grade at Walnut Elementary in Walnut, California. 

Education: University of Arizona (BA), California State (Masters)

“I wanted a career that could blend with my family life as well as my passion to influence/guide kids.” 

Mark Harris

Krueger Middle School, 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Experience: 20 years School Resource Officer and Retired Porter County Sheriff’s Department Police Officer

Education: St. Joseph’s College

“After being in law enforcement for 20 years, I realized that I had a passion for helping kids. I want to build relationships with the youth and do the best I can to help them succeed in life and be good citizens of the community.”

Elizabeth Hayden

Marsh Elementary School, Music Teacher

Experience: Currently teaches piano lessons, two years teaching Kindergarten, two years teaching Preschool

Education: Penn State University, Grand Canyon University

“I love learning, and I really love music, so I became an educator to pass on the gift of music. I hope music touches my students’ lives the way it has touched mine.” 

Casaundra Hill

Marsh Elementary School, 5th Grade Math Teacher, Assisting with Music Program

Experience: Head Start Teacher, Social Work at Barker, Group at Middle School and High School, Safe Harbor 

Education: Indiana Wesleyan University

“I became and educator to make a difference.” 

Lauren Hittinger (Hood)

Barker Middle School, Physical Education Teacher

Experience: Elementary teacher for 13 years

Education: Purdue University

“I want to make a positive and inspiring impact on my students’ lives.”

Tinon Hunter

Edgewood Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher, Elementary Girls Basketball

Experience: One year coaching at Bailly STEM Academy, One year at Michigan City High School, three years at Gary Westside High School, and two years at Moberly Area Community College

Education: Alcorn State University, Ball State University

“I became an educator to help students become the best version of themselves. Growing up, I had the privilege of having great teachers that inspired me.”

Brianna Irvine

Edgewood Elementary School, K-6th Grade Music Teacher

Experience: Portage Township Schools

Education: Valparaiso University and Calumet College of St. Joseph

“I love seeing growth in my students! It is wonderful to experience a growing mind in someone no matter the subject.”

Linda Kendall

Coolspring Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher

Experience: La Porte Community School Corporation 2nd and 3rd grade teacher for 18 years, 6th grade teacher at Kesling Intermediate School.

Education: Master of Science Education at Purdue University Northwest

“I am a lifelong learner. I became an educator to make a significant impact on students. As an educator, I strongly believe that students need the right tools to meet their educational needs. I will utilize my knowledge and background to meet the specific needs for all students.”
 

Ellen King

Springfield Elementary School, K-6th Grade Art Teacher

Coaching/Sponsoring: Art Club for intermediate/primary grades

Experience: 15 years teaching 1st, Art, Library for Chicago Public Schools, and 3rd grade.

Education: School of the Art Institute, Louis University

“When I was in school for my Bachelor of Fine Arts, I quickly realized that teaching Art/Art Education may be an area that would bring me joy as well as keep the creative juices flowing. I started by working in a recreational environment, then quickly realized that getting into school would allow my ideas to flourish. And basically, twenty-plus years later… here I am!”

Kahnah Kirk

Springfield Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher

Experience: First year teaching

Education: Valparaiso University

“I love to witness a student having their ‘ah-ha’ moment!”

Alison Koedyker

Michigan City High School, 9th Grade Teacher

Experience: First year teaching; previous experience in social work and medical field. 

Education: Indiana University North West

“I enjoy working with youth and being able to participate in their healthy development.”

Bailee Laux

Michigan City High School, English Teacher

Experience: Student teaching at Cardinal Ritter High School and  first year teaching 

Education: Marian University

“Teaching is a very fulfilling way of working with the community.”
 

Katharine “Katie” Martin

Krueger Middle School, 7th and 8th Grade Band Teacher

Coaching/Sponsoring: MCHS Marching Band

Experience: First year teaching full-time, previously worked with high school marching bands in Indiana, Ohio, and student taught in Greenfield, Indiana.

Education: Indiana University - Jacobs School of Music

“I knew I wanted a career in music education within my first few years of school music. In 7th grade orchestra, I was voted ‘most likely to be a music teacher’ by my peers and have devoted myself to teaching others ever since. Helping students find a way to express themselves through music is the best thing about teaching. I also have hopes to start middle school jazz band with Barker and Krueger students.” 

Amy Miller

Edgewood Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher

Experience: 32 years of teaching at Indianapolis Public Schools

Education: DePauw University

“I became an educator because I enjoy working with children - they keep me young!”
 

Stephanie Miller

Springfield Elementary School, Special Education Teacher

Experience: 2 years teaching 5th grade at Hebron Elementary and Kessling Intermediate, and 3rd grade for 6 years at Bailey Elementary in Lake Station. 

Education: DePauw University

“I became an educator because I enjoy working with children - they keep me young!”

 

Katherine Nelson

Michigan City High School Teacher

 

Brenda Ramirez

Coolpsring Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher

Experience: 2nd-grade teacher at River Valley Elementary School, Preschool teacher at Children’s First Learning Center

Education: Valparaiso University

“I became an educator because I wanted to create a positive learning environment for students to grow and thrive in. As well as being a positive person to students that need or may not have that at home.”

Anthony “Tony” Renward

Michigan City High School, 10th Grade AP Language & English

Experience: Six years English teacher across all grade levels, Educational Technology on Curriculum Development and Implementation

Education: University of Michigan

“​​I became an educator to ensure students could continue to find a love and passion for learning and have the appropriate skills to find joy in whatever they do.”

Asia Savado

Joy Elementary School, K-6th Grade Instructional Coach

Experience: Teach for America Alum 2013, 11 years in charter schools as co-teacher, teacher, college and career coordinator, department chair, instructional coach, dean, and administrator.

Education: Florida Agricultural and Mechanica University, Concordia University

“Honestly, as a proud 2008 MCHS Honor graduate, it was always in me. I learned from the best. I thought law school was in my future when God had other plans. I chose to live in my faith, and 11 years later, that’s her-story!”

Cody Snook

Michigan City High School, College and Careers

Coaching/Leading Extracurricular Activity: Wrestling Coach

Experience: 2 years at Lake Ridge Middle School

Education: Wabash College

“​​I became an educator to change the lives of students forever.”
 

Larry Upshaw

Michigan City High School, 9th-12th Grade Credit Recovery

Coaching/Sponsoring: Boys Basketball Coach

Experience: Won 8 sectionals, 1A (7) - 2A (1), 4 Regionals, at Gary 21st Century

Education: Indiana Wesleyan and University of Arkansas

“​​I became an educator to push the next generation forward.”

Laryssa Vaclavik

Knapp Elementary School Teacher
 

Heather Welsch

Multiple Buildings, K-12th Grade Special Education Teacher

Experience: 13 years as an educator - grades 4-8 general and special education.

Education: Indiana University

“​​I became an educator to make learning a positive experience and to advocate for students.”